A soldier sworn to duty, yet my heart did sway -
For Jesus, gentle Savior, had won my soul away.
In silence I stood watch, my face a stoic mask,
While inner sympathies grew, a secret, heavy task.
For though I served the Romans, I could not bear to show
The tender love I felt for Jesus, nor let my true heart flow.
That night outside the tomb I saw a wondrous, mystic sight,
A vision shrouded deep in awe, concealed from mortal light.
I cannot put in human words what gripped me at that hour,
For such a marvel shook my soul, unveiling Heaven’s power.
Yet now I fear what fate may come, for my punishment is near,
A sentence dark, perhaps like His - crucifixion’s bitter fear.
My life, once common, now transformed by that mysterious glow,
Will never be the same again, for now my heart doth know.
I keep my secret deep within, a truth I cannot share,
For in my breast, though I am bound, compassion still is there.
I walk a path of silent sorrow, awaiting fate’s decree,
And pray that in my final hour, He’ll welcome me to Thee.