The Fire of Joan of Arc (Light out of Dark)

I was wondering one day why Joan of Arc’s end so cruelly stark, formed with her fire, a light out of dark

She did everything asked of her, she did nothing wrong, that is my opinion of her life and its song

She freed her countrymen and king, she was an astounding figure of history

Brave and faithful, selfless and kind, she was in every way true to her calling divine

Yet, dear Joan met only thanklessness and betrayal, she died amongst hatred,

And I wondered why that day….

I ponder these things when I don’t have much to do, as was the case that day sitting before Mary’s statue

Why Mother Mary? What is the meaning, of dear Joan of Arc’s life and the fire at its ending?

A scene opened before me, the devil himself was prosecuting before my last judgment day jury

I watched with obvious interest, my lips pursed in fear, the devil was laughing and making his point clear

He roared to the jury that my judgment would be, the one time he

Would not have to lie, cheat or steal, for there would be nothing he really needed to tell

For my deeds alone condemn me from the roof, he smiled, yes, this is one time even he could tell the truth

Do you see my dilemma, the thing I suddenly knew, Joan like the Savior died unjustly, I only gave the devil his due

I knew my question had been poorly framed, I was seeking to know why only to point blame

The real question was when….

When would I be brave enough to bear, suffering in union with those I hold dear?

The real question thought through, is could I die that way too?

I saw in the emptiness of my life’s selfish whims, that Joan followed Him asking not why but when

When would she reach the end of her dream, and die faithfully, out of love, for our King and our Queen!

(Copyright Walter Adams)