“Hosannah!” cried the people,
As the prophet/healer climbed the streets.
“Save us!” cried the people
To the donkey-mounted teacher.
“Save us!” would become a mockery
In just five days
When “You saved others, save yourself!”
Officials who conspired
At judicial murder
Threw into the face
Of this same
Tortured
Dying
Man.
“Hosannah!” “Save us!”
Not, as modern English ears
Would hear it,
“Hallelujah!” “Praise to God!”
Jesus did not hear
The praises of the little children.
Jesus heard
The desperation of their parents.
Save the desperate, God,
From their oppression and despair.
Save the desperate, God,
From our complacency and ignorance.
Save the desperate, God,
From our talent
For self-serving re-translation
That turns the cry for aid
Into a shout of joy.
ordainedgeek 