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

by 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.