Easter Poem

Joanna's Joy

by Mary Evelyn McCurdy

My day was dark, yet sunlight
Flooded downward from the sky.
And even though the flowers danced
A tear fell from my eye.

The birds sang sweetly, softly
Their melodies they raised.
And yet my heart was heavy
As to the sky I gazed.

I cried. I sobbed. I wailed.
Why did He have to die?
I longed to know, I felt my heart
Breaking deep inside.

The flowers kept on dancing,
A breeze so gently blew.
The birds all gaily sang, I thought,
"Oh, if they only knew!"

"If they only knew my King
Was lying cold and dead.
If they had only seen my King
With thorns upon His head."

My friends and I now slowly neared
The grave of Jesus Christ.
Our Lord, our Master, who for us
His life had sacrificed.

And then we saw the stone--
Not there! And Jesus' body gone!
We were confused, bewildered,
Wond'ring what was going on.

And then two men whose clothing
Flashed like lightning bright
Stood beside us, we bowed down
Trembling with fright.

Oh! the words they uttered
Were like music to my ears:
"He is not here; He's risen!"
And joy o'ercame my fears.

My spirit leaped and danced, my heart
Was full of joy and sang,
"My King is now alive again!
Oh, praise His holy name!"