Shamed Woman Poem by Doug Blair

Here am I condemned to die,
Alone in my shame on the sand.
The Pharisees have caught me
In passion and lust with that man.

The law of our land has ruled
Adulterers surely must die.
In chambers I served myself
To his strength, his charm and his lie.

I know I have no excuse.
It is written, “Let both be stoned”.
But where is my man of charm?
Sadly, I suffer this alone.

Through crowded streets harshly dragged
By priests who now lust for my blood;
To the temple I am led,
And made to stand marked in the crowd.

All faces now gaze at me.
I am stripped, bared and soiled by sin.
Harsh judgment these men demand;
But the Teacher-light shines from him!

He looks kindly once at me,
Then stoops to his knees by the sand;
All talk of my stoning hushed…
He writes on the ground with his hand.

A long and stern look he casts
T’ward these men of cold rite and creed;
Then of stoning he suggests:
“Let him without sin start the deed.”

Now much to my great surprise
Accusers are shrinking away.
Compassion confronts vain pride;
They retreat with nothing to say.

Oh Teacher, Jesus, my Lord,
I can’t be condemned save by you.
Your mercy has won my love.
My days in the flesh are all through.

…Fresh hope you have deemed to restore;
I will go and will sin no more!