The Fourth: The Rocks Split
Yes, even were we diamond, we would crack and break.
With never-before-felt fear, a shock, a flash
drives through me, and my hard armor cracks in two.
The sound announces Christ’s death to the world:
He, the True Rock, whom the Romans pierce
brings Heaven’s Honey, Wonder-Wound’s water
and fights for you, rock-strong, with Death and Devil
who take their fierce revenge against His innocence.
What hard hearts must you mortals have!
Were you sired by a snake, suckled by a tiger?
In that case, we would incline to mercy.
Shock reveals the alphabet of heartache
written in dread and haste. Ah, learn from me
how the heart splits with love, remorse, sorrow and thirst.