The Crucifixion

I Saw the Sun at Midnight Rising Red

I saw the Sun at midnight, rising red,

Deep-hued yet glowing, heavy with the stain

Of blood-compassion, and I saw It gain

Swiftly in size and growing till It spread

Over the stars; the heavens bowed their head

As from Its heart slow dripped a crimson rain,

Then a great tremor shook It, as of pain—

The night fell, moaning, as It hung there dead.

O Sun, O Christ, O bleeding Heart of flame!

Thou giv’st Thine agony as our life’s worth,

And mak’st it infinite, lest we have dearth

Of rights wherewith to call upon thy Name;

Thou pawnest Heaven as a pledge for Earth,

And for our glory sufferest all shame.

                                                                     ~Joseph Mary Plunkett