Judgment Day

a poem by Maryse Saldanha

Weary eyes they seek rest
Weary am I, I seek rest
There’s a long way to go
From it I cannot deviate
I’ve got to get there
For him who awaits

I am not alone
Other faces I see
Do I know anyone?
None seems familiar to me
Someone catches my eye
Our gazes lock
But then they turn away
So be it, I move on

Will I get there in time?
Will I be too late?
I’ve got to get there
Come what may
What lay in store for me?
I pray time quicken your pace
It smiles but stays
Why the haste?

As I move on I feel so lone
In the serpentine queue
I am desolate and solo
How will he be?
When all comes undone
What will be said?
What will be done?

All finally gather
In his majestic presence
Angels encompass him
Sing aloud his praises
Around him shining light
His face I can’t see

I bow down to revere
The holy of holies

I come stand before him
Trembling with tears in my eyes
Let it be done unto me
As thou will and command
Be I a worthy sheep to thy right
Or the wretched wolf to your left
Give me thy judgment Lord
Before thee relinquished I stand

My crown to the floor
I dare not cast up
I await there unknowing
His discernment to come
Great fear in my soul
The grand finale has come

A gentle hand on my shoulder
Lifts me up from the ground
To the most passionately serene
And gentle face ever, I rise
Why fear me child thy father am I
In my own likeness thee I have carved

But this is judgment day
Where the good and bad desperate
It’s what I’ve been told
From the holy books
Here today before thee all stand
Thy hand shall part the good from the bad

What father is he
Who among his children divides
I love them all dearly without any bias
Be you different or noble
Be you helpful or unkind
You are mine to be forgiven
Each molded on the palm of my hand

I look up to him
The tears flowing still
There no fear in my heart
But awe there instead
All sing and dance to honour the king
I sing out his praises
Laughter and joy rings