Took My Place (with lyrics)

Took My Place by dogfight!

The perfect substitution
while I was in confusion
I came to a conclusion
Heaven thought my soul was worth a bloody crucifixion
Now listen...
I did the crime, ready to do the time
but my sentence was eternity hell's flames burning in me
knew my date with destiny would be coming soon
been cursed since birth born with a poisoned spoon
never tasted death but i coulda smelled its breath
my flesh wanted to dance with sin hell was next
never knew anybody would want to cut in
my life was a collage of rage hurt and sin
so when i heard the choppin of wood, that cross was my fate
and in my head nothing good could come out of this day
yes, this day...i'll never forget
tried to erase His face ...cant disregard it
the guard came, grinned as he undid my chains
couldnt believe it, i'm thinking this isnt a game
expecting to catch a spear, i act in fear
run as fast as i can "i aint going back in there"
my attempt to flee led my face to the dusty floor
a kick in the head made certain i wouldnt try to run no more
dragged to my feet, brought before Pontius Pilate
the crowd roared but he demanded they be silent
my peripheral caught Jesus, the innocent Jew
self-proclaimed Son of God, now the crowd had to choose
this was just a formality, Jesus prayed and healed
He aint no criminal my fate was sealed
but God had a different game plan
The prince of peace's decease was the price to save man
to save me! why did they have to pick me?
to stick me as the alternative to the sin free
the crowd was mistaken...Pilate's hands were shaking
Mary's heart breaking as the jews made a bold statement.
Pilate asked again but the crowd was relentless
their words vocalized and verbalized Jesus' death sentence
Free Barrabas? Crucify Jesus? but why?
Why do i get to live and the Son of Man die?


Shoulda been me on that tree
Shoulda been me at Calvary
Shoulda been me who paid that price
Shoulda been me instead of Christ
but i was guilty
The life i lived so filthy
Lord You took my place
So I thank you Lord for Mercy and Grace


so I witnessed this spectacle from a safe distance
too ashamed to be seen but close enough to catch a glimpse of
the Son who came down to set captives free
beaten like a slave for alleged blasphemy
beaten beyond recognition,
eyes swollen with incisions, but never losing vision
His hands could barely hold on as His body shivered
seeing him drag that cross I could have cried a river
wanting to do something, but scared to get closer
that cross was too heavy kept falling off his shoulders
no way He would make it up the vie delarosa
if i was any bolder i woulda charged them Roman Soldiers
but i'm weak
unlike this man my talk is cheap
I weep when I think of what He took for me
but I can't let my shame keep from telling this story
by this time I'm going crazy
overcome with emotion, i'm wailing like a baby
bruised fist from punching holes in walls
bloody spit, like I just got lit in a brawl
but as much as i tried i couldnt stay away
its like He wanted me to see the price He had to pay
sometimes I still hear the banging of the nails
in perfect harmony with his voice hanging as he yelled
cried out to Heaven but instead got hell
It was as if the Love He came to share had failed
torn flesh revealed through his ripped skin
blood dripping, his frail body stretched thin
with one last glance his eyes met mine
no need to say more, I understood and cried
Father forgive them for they know not what they do
as He gave His final breath and died
(It is finished)

My First Poetry Slam Entry

Last Thursday I entered myself into an open poetry slam. It was a spur of the moment thing. The community college where I'm an adjunct faculty had an open poetry slam. I wanted to check out some of the poets and also recruit possible features for 832 Coffee House, an event I host every month. I thought perhaps I could enter myself. I did. Since it was last minute, I had to be put on the waiting list. On the phone with my wife on the way there; I still wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. I wasn't even sure what I poem or song I would do.

When I got there, I was initially told that because I was late I couldn't get on stage. I'm not sure if I was relieved or disappointed. I sat there and watched a few poets perform. A number of them were good but none would have been appropriate for 832. It seemed they were all either not very creative, too graphic, or profane. Right after a poet named Travesty was done doing a profanity-filled piece dissing the Texas state government, the announcement was made by the host that I should go talk to the organizer. Apparently she went to check with the judges and they said it was okay for me to perform. I sent a quick text to my wife and went on stage to perform "one wish" (from Prison of Stained Glass). It was the easiest for me to remember. At this point I'm thinking that I probably should have practiced since I have never done a poetry slam before and I haven't even rapped on stage in a long while. But I figured the audience would get the message from my piece and I wouldn't have to worry about the 2nd round.

To my surprise I made the 2nd round! Sweet! I was in the top 10 out of about 30 entries. But I hadn't really thought this far ahead and didn't know what to do next. I sent another text to my wife right before I got on stage. She was less suprised that I made the 2nd round. The 2nd round didn't go so well. I got through about 8 lines of Strange Land and stumbled. I tried picking it back up but to no avail. It still stings now thinking about it but it's not bad for my first time. I waited to hear them announce the top 5 but not long enough to hear the top 3. With preparation, I probably would have made the final cut but I didn't so I went back home a little embarassed but also a little excited. When you're in a real love relationship with God and an amazing wife, you don't stay down too long.