When tragedy darkens the path on Life’s Odyssey

Tearfully, pilgrims reflect on theodicy

“The Problem of Evil” by its common name

Afflicting the righteous and sinners the same

The light of youth’s candle snuffed out forever

Vitality vanquished, flames into embers

Children with cancer too sick to play

Infants deprived of even one day

Natural disasters, victims of crime

If only they had just a little more time…

So was Nietzsche correct? Is God in fact dead?

Is there no purveyor of life-giving bread?

Does worship belong in an opium den?

A crutch for those earning the wages of sin?

Or is there a Sovereign who permits this pain?

Who walked in our footsteps, unblemished, unstained?

And used the most evil event in world history

To author a romance from a murder mystery

Redeeming a hopeless, beleaguered mankind

An infinite cost, paid for all time

So lay down your burdens, unshackle your worries

Step down from your seat on the mythical jury

The case has been closed, the verdict decided

The Judge has a feast and we’re all invited