Kenosis (a poem for Easter weekend)

Matthew 27:1-54
Jeremiah 2:13, 17:13
Isaiah 43:11, 20-25; 53:6
Hebrews 2:14-17; 13:12
Psalm 24:7-10
1 Peter 4:6
Romans 14:9

"Kenosis"

To th'place of broken cisterns he descends
and there to match them his own vessel rends
or lets them rend -- the Fountain, thus to give
from his own side the draught we need to live.
--Water in the wilds, and desert streams!
The ostriches and jackals he redeems
shall honor him, although the sheep have strayed,
and on him their iniquity is laid.
Alone he blots transgressions out, the LORD,
the only Savior, everlasting Word
of Life, now written in the earth with those
who turned away, forsook his name, for whose
lives he gives up his own. But now Death is
no more the last word written here in this
or any lower place-- "Lift up your heads,
O gates! O ancient doors, be opened wide!"
Eternal Life has come down for the dead,
the King of Glory for those who reside
in darkness and death's shadow, who were lost
to dissolution, separation. Death,
the Lord of Hosts has come to claim your host
as well; your reign has ended with his breath.