Stones and Sand

Her hair was thick and matted,

all tangled up and ratted,

with hard faces staring down.

Her shame was thick and sweaty,

for her punishment she was ready,

her guilt glistened on her skin.

There was no one that she trusted,

even her judges for her had lusted,

their stones now firm in hand.

But a shadow came encroaching,

it had eyes that weren’t reproaching,

they stood aside to let him through.

Good teacher we adore you,

and we humbly implore you,

should this woman live or die.

No words he had were spoken,

he refused to be their token,

he simply stooped and wrote in sand.

When he had finished writing,

the accuser’s shame was biting,

they dropped their stones and walked away.

Through their judgments he had sifted,

and with healing hands he lifted,

she was standing once again.

There is nothing I begrudge you,

now there’s no one left to judge you,

please go and sin no more.

Her heart was suddenly lighter,

something shifted deep inside her,

as shame’s stone was rolled away.