"If I’d been there"
If I’d been there
I’d have gaily waved palms with the rest,
Eager to see a celebrity
If I’d been there
Issued with a shield, spear and armour
I’d have followed orders.
If I’d been there
I’d have clutched my pennies in the temple
And been morally affronted.
If I’d been there
I’d have gossiped with my friends over tea -
“The innocent have nothing to fear”.
If I’d been there
I’d have known that nice people have nice friends
And not looked past their faces.
If I’d been there
I would have made no difference – only one more
Guilty face in a guilty crowd.
Whether I was there
Or not, strangely, unaccountably,
I am forgiven.
Eleanor Zeucher (From Benefice Good Friday Service 2024)