Poems (Kimball)/"O sad, long-suffering Face"

4471952Poems — "O sad, long-suffering Face"Harriet McEwen Kimball

II.

O sad, long-suffering Face,
How can I look and live!
O piercèd hands outstretched to save
O Voice that cries "Forgive"!

"Forgive," though crowned with thorns,
And mocked with many a jeer;
"Forgive," though tortured by the nails
And wounded by the spear.

O crimson tide of love
Outgushing from His side,
Flow down and wash the guilty earth
Where He is still denied!

In penitence my soul
Takes up that cry, "Forgive;"
Flow down and wash away my sins,
That I may look and live.