Jesus anointed

In the midst of the company (Mark 14: 3-9)

In the midst of the company I sat alone,

and the hand of death took hold of me;

I was cold with secrecy,

and my God was far away.

O that my beloved would hold me

and gather me in his arms;

that the darkness of God might comfort me,

that this cup might pass me by.

I was desolate and she came to me;

when there was neither hope nor help for pain

she was at my side;

in the shadow of the grave she has restored me.

My cup was spilling with betrayal,

but she has filled it with wine;

my face was wet with fear,

but she has anointed me with oil,

and my hair is damp with myrrh.

The scent of her love surrounds me;

it is more than I can bear.

She has touched me with authority;

in her hands I find strength.

For she acts on behalf of the broken

and her silence is the voice of the unheard.

Though many murmur against her, I will praise her

and in the name of the unremembered

I will remember her.

(Janet Morley: All desires known)