Hamlet

Hamlet

The noise is stilled. I come out on the stage.

Leaning against the door-post

I try to guess from the distant echo

What is to happen in my lifetime.

The darkness of night is aimed at me

Along the sights of a thousand opera-glasses.

Abba. Father, if it be possible,

Let this cup pass from me.

I love your stubborn purpose,

I consent to play my part,

But now a different drama is being acted;

For this once let me be.

Yet the order of the acts is planned

And the end of the way inescapable.

I am alone; all drowns in the Pharisees' hypocrisy.

To live your life is not as simple as to cross a field*.

Boris Pasternak, Dr Zhivago

*The last line is a Russian proverb.

If one can have a favourite Good Friday passage this would be it.

Abba. Father, if it be possible,

Let this cup pass from me.