I'd rather be the clouds

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.” (John 19:31-37).

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It feels like we're the spear piercing Christ in the image above, The Crucifixion by Jan van Eyck. We're also, if we can bare to look, the bodies on either side, lurching and bracing against pain for another breath. Christ has given up all resistance, in the centre, and will take whatever we give.

I'd rather look away and be those gossamer clouds.

Lament of the Three Marys (English translation)

O Peter, apostle, have you seen my bright love?
Alas, and alas, o!
I saw not long ago surrounded by his enemies.
Alas, and alas, o!

Blunt nails were pushed through his feet and his bones.
Ochón agus ochón ó!
And a spear pierced through his beautiful chest.
Ochón agus ochón ó!

Accompany me two Marys, to lament my darling Love with me,
Alas, and alas, o!
What have we to mourne, if we do not lament his bones?
Alas, and alas, o!

Who is that good man upon the passion tree?
Alas, and alas, o!
It is your son, O Mother, don’t you recognize me?
Alas, and alas, o!

Is that the Son I carried for three quarters?
Alas, and alas, o!
Is that the Son that was born to me in the stable?
Alas, and alas, o!

Is that the wee Son that was nourished at Mary’s breast?
Alas, and alas, o!
Listen, mother, and do not be sorrowful.
Alas, and alas, o!

And is that the hammer that drove the nails through You?
Alas, and alas, o!
Or is that the spear that pierced Your pure heart through?
Alas, and alas, o!

My baby, great is your burden, let your mother help you carry it.
Alas, and alas, o!
Little mother, dearest, we each must carry our own cross.
Alas, and alas, o!