Palm Branch

I am a palm branch lifted

I am a palm branch laid

Down on the stones of the city,

Dusty and sore afraid

Oh how the triumph chorus

Swells in my heart and soul:

Longing for final victory

Longing to be made whole.

Anticipation shivers

Here comes the Saviour king

Jerusalem is thrilling

Her loudest praise to sing.

Yet soon the songs grow silent

Under a darkening sky

All the hosannas falter

This king has come to die.

Palm branches lie forgotten

Soon to be swept away

Only the broken pieces

Torn and dismembered, stay.

Soon are the streets re-crowded,

Soon comes another cry:

No more resounds “Hosanna!”

Now it is “Crucify!”

Only the crushed and broken

Recognise such a king,

Walk through the nights of terror

To see what day will bring.

Waiting the tender promise

Of resurrection morn

It is in death and darkness

Our one real hope is born.

I am a palm branch laid down

Under a donkey’s feet

Knowing that in his mercy

I shall be made complete.