Mary's story - a poem by Chris Zachariou

My love for The Son of Man and Christianity as a way of life is infinite, however, I find it impossible to believe in a metaphysical world.

This poem is my own personal view of God, Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. Please do not continue reading if you are easily offended or intolerant of other peoples' views.

This poem is largely inspired by the novel 'The Last Temptation of Christ' by Nikos Kazantzakis.

Mary Magdalene

The softness of the girl

the hardness of the boy.

We kissed—

a touch, a sigh, a whisper

and my fate was sealed.

You were terrified;

you struggled free

falling onto the ground

like a soul possessed.

I touched your lips, I wiped

your brow and you trembled

in my hands like a hunted bird.

I begged Him to let go

but He is cruel and jealous

and all is His and only His

and He will never share.

Seven sins came sailing

from across the Galilee 

knocking on my father's door.

He cursed and told me

I was the bride of Lucifer.

A red light burns in my window
night and day and some nights

it feels like a thousand men

have passed through my body.

I writhe and howl on these sheets
of soiled dreams and my gown
is soaked in sin with the stench
of paid-for sex.

And all the time,
I close my eyes and search
for you in all the hungry hands
and twisted mouths crawling up
my thighs and battered breasts.