[John Asherah]

Beneath the lesser light, we descend the mount and cross the river, dark with blood to enter the garden. Here, my agony begins.

I ask them to bear witness, but a stupor overwhelms.
As they sleep, no comfort is mine.
I confront the Adversary alone.

He tempts my retreat, but I will not relent.
I have one thing sufficient alone to withstand all.
Love itself.

Onto this precious thing I hold and will not let go.
All is preserved within this single, shining particle.

Time ceases and in a span immeasurable, I know the torments of uncounted lifetimes.
I confront the cumulative horror of all mortality; the searing arsenal of the Adversary.
Though mortality is upon me, I will not falter.

Eternities do I suffer thus, as the weight of a world on fire presses down upon me and by every woe since the beginning, I am slowly crushed. Blood like oil, flows out through every pore.

The agony of all mortal life is wrung out and to the very dregs I drink empty this bitter, overflowing cup to its final drop, until wrath itself I consume; that the vessel of joy may instead be ours forevermore.

Each innocence abused, every faith betrayed, burden and trial, sorrow and sickness, the loss and grief of all who shall ever live, I know firsthand.

I know the panic and despair of the mother desperately seeking her precious one lost to the world.

Alone, I learn the desolate solitude of every outcast.
I cry out, for in this is no surrender and no shame.

I know also, every harm done in my own name by the misguided; this the grievous worst by far.

I feel every horrible and wonderful thing of which we are capable and each twist of the unfolding future.

How shall any be led homeward, save by example?

This suffering, freely chosen and my life, willingly offered; is a demonstration of limitless love, infinite and eternal.

Thrones I decline, in order to serve; that you may know the soul is master of the flesh.

Only know that one can love another beyond themselves and offer all they are for the sake of this love and all I have, is forever yours.