Qara’
(Pronounced kaw-rah. It is the Jewish custom of
tearing one’s garments when in mourning.)
Splendid I was, and beautiful
hand woven from the finest wool
dyed a deep royal purple
embroidered with scarlet thread.
Worthy was I to clothe a Deity
my fifty clasps, gold and gleaming,
secured me to my sacred space
between the Temple’s Holy of Holys and
the massive gate for the common throng
It was I who veiled for them
God’s shining, blinding face.
Until the day that darkness fell
across the earth at noon
when God’s beloved hung on a cross
bloodied…..broken…..bruised.
Then wild with grief the Father-God
(like Jacob learning of Joseph’s death)
tore me, His garment, top to bottom
as His Son drew His last breath.
~Janet Tharpe~
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