Only because I too have run away from love's call
can I understand and have the compassion to endure
this impaling.
Only because I too have denied my own courage
in favor of my habit of comfort
and then tried furiously to bury the nawing, disturbing voice
of my own imprisoned consciousness
can I bear the cross of betrayal
without insanity.
And only because I have been given to see
that this crucifiction is my reward
for living a life worth living
can I recognize the kiss of God's love
in your abandonment.