The Place of the Skull

A-Poem-a-Day Until Resurrection Day

Photo credit: panoramio.com

THE PLACE OF THE SKULL^[1]

“O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor 15:55

Israel Pilgrimage—1987

We gather at the base

of a mountainous rock

into which time has carved

the natural image of a human skull

…hence, its chilling name:

Place of the Skull

Above this mound lies Golgotha

where on the most significant day

in the history of the world

Jesus of Nazareth was crucified

between two thieves

I stare into the hollow eyes

of this ominous image

and am reminded of Ezekiel

and the dry bones

bones that took on flesh

and blood and breath

and came to life

before his very eyes

Life.

Life is what happens at Golgotha

Life that is victorious

over the skull and bones. Victorious

over the ominous face of death

Life. Everlasting life—

for all atoned of sin

who believe

Maude Carolan Pych

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[1] There are two locations worthy of serious consideration as the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, the traditional site lies within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the other is Gordon’s Calvary (Golgotha/The Place of the Skull) and the Garden Tomb. Ref. Grace Communion International.