FOR OUR PENANCE This Spring indeed is crucifixion time On February nights the stars are nails The rains of squally March are lashing flails The year has its own Calvary to climb The sun may shine but all too soon it pales Blue skies cloud over; stony grey prevails And many things recall the Friday Crime But golden bells are calling us to pray And know that our salvation has begun And though dreaded Cross stands in our way We know that when the awful deed is done Easter will roll those stone grey clouds away And show the glory of the risen sun. -- Warren O'CONNELL