Monday Before Lent

Atrophied your knees,
Weary your feet,
Rusty the locks of the ancient gates -

Prepare the way.
Cry, Blessed is He! as He comes,
To save, to rule, to save.

Stagnant your hopes,
Vacant your dreams,
Silent and silenced the voice which cries -

In the wilderness prepare the way!
See, He comes. The donkey's steps near,
Four-centuries-dormant longing yawns...

Bowing your hearts,
Waving your palm fronds,
Whispering your hearts -

Hosanna, save...Hosanna...
Open now the gates of day;
Prepare the fallow way.