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The Ex-Con’s  Tale -

Luke 23:43



A flat-nosed ex-con in the law’s black books

Was brought to justice and his wretched fate,

A desperado, felon, king of  crooks

Hung on the cross his crimes to expiate..



He had  mocked  righteous Pharisees and Priests,

And  scorned all laws, and came at last ro grief,

Yet shook at the authorities his fists,-

Now  Roman law dealt with this hardened thief..



But from the shameful gibbet he could see

The crowds that watched his end with blatant scorn,

Then realized that he had company

The man next him, who wore a crown of thorn.



It seemed that he had seen Him  somewhere dine,

Or walking past bazaars, or on some  street,  

Or  showing friends  to throw a fishing line,

Or with  some tax collectors drink and eat.



Oh memory!- when did he see him last?

Or where?- so  treacherous is memory lane,

Yes, he had seen Him somewhere in the past,

Perhaps upon some hill or flowery plane.



But now upon the hill three crosses stood,

His, and two more,- what wretched destiny-,

And next to him, the man upon the rood

Seemed target prime of vicious mockery.



The dying ex-con’s swarthy big chest heaved,

His lips, now parched, did formulate a plea,

Deep in his heart the felt and he believed,-

Then spoke the words” “Please Lord remember me!”



“Remember me Lord  when you come as king,-

Your kingdom that you spoke so often of,

With royal scepter, crown and  signet ring,

Your kingdom coming with its reign of love”.



The man had heard the dying felon’s plea,

And he replied  despite his agony,

Words that would seal the felon's destiny:

“In paradise you’ll be today with me”-



This ex-con walks now starry  streets and grins,-

Knows more of grace than all the learned and wise,

White-washed as snow,- forgiven  were his  sins,

His plea was heard - he savors Paradise.



He left behind no other legacy

Than that transformed were pain, disgrace and shame,

All by His grace and great benignity-

St. Dismas is  the swarthy ex-con’s name.



© Elizabeth Dandy