This is the last day of my life. The walk was long and painful to the place of my execution. Why did everything seem different, as if a film were cleared from my eyes. The morning dew sparkled and the smell of the nearby fig trees filled my nostrils. As I looked up, I noticed the sky was extraordinarily blue and the clouds majestically white. Was that a bird chiruping behind me? It was probably a common bird, yet the sound was new and comforting. Crowds began to gather around me; they were spectators enjoying the show. I hated them. Some of them I had probably robbed before. Memories. Those memories seemed more vivid now that I was about to die. My heart began to beat faster as I thought about death. Where would I go? What is going to happen? What am I going to see? From deep within I felt sure my condemnation wasn't over. Another trial would be waiting. My crimes flashed before me: Slander, deceit, robbery, lies, adultery; what crimes have I not committed? What could I possibly say before the judgement seat of God?

Those brutes begin the process of another execution beside me. The crowd seems pleased as they witness the hammering and the screams of agony.

The pain was becoming unbearable. Air was caught in my chest and I could only let out bits of it at a time. I felt like I was suffocating. My mouth was so dry. I began to cry. The sadistic spectators began ridiculing the man beside me; I tried to hear what they were saying but the loud ringing in my ears prevented me from understanding the words. Ah, look who showed up! The holy men. Bah, they could do nothing for me in life, and they could do nothing for me in death. Preachers of hypocrisy! Hey, I think I robbed that one. Serves him right.

How long, O Death? How long till we meet? My lungs burned. My dislocated bones cried out in pain. Will I be in terror when the time arrives? Will I be tormented? Where are these questions coming from? I never asked them in life; why are they so important in death? Those hypocrites pointed their fingers and mocked the man next to me. A centurion began nailing a sign above his head. Did the sign say he was a king? Yeah right.

Well, today is my day. I have to admit, I am terrified. Well, God, would our meeting be different if my life were different? But I can't make excuses, not now, it is too late for excuses. I turned my head toward the poor soul next to me. What was this? He was looking at me! There is something peculiar about this man. Why is my heart burning inside me? My sadness turned into uncontrollable joy. Distress changed into calmness. What is it about his presence? Is he really a king? or maybe a holy man? That would explain why the hypocrites were present. Yet, they mocked and ridiculed him. He seems so peaceful. Suddenly, I knew what I needed to do. This was not just a man. Somehow, from the depths of my soul, I knew he was my only hope. I have nothing to lose. So, here it goes,

"Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Jesus replied, "Truly I say to you, Today you will be with me in paradise."

Keyword: Today Is The Day

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Comments (12)

Posted by philneale1952 2008-07-04 11:52:01 Can't Think of a Title Interestingly portrayed. The criminal seeing his last hope of salvation in a fellow condemned man. Haven't heard of a slant like this on the crucifiction before. Nicely done - all the man's fears rushing in on him at the last moment. There was a series of six dramas on British TV in the late 1970s called 'Pennies From Heaven'. The hero is condemned wrongly for a murder he didn't commit, but the poignant line came right at the end as his ankle were strapped together on the scaffold and a bag placed over his head. "Just a minute" he protested "Wait, my nose is itching!" Dark humour right at the end, and then the fade out...... Good story 8/10 Phil + Report this comment
Posted by lemon 2008-07-04 12:50:06 .... This was great! I don't think I've ever read anything from the 'robber's' point of view before. You did a wonderful job describing how he felt while he was being crucified and I love the way you told about what HE saw when they were crucifying Jesus. wonderful work! + Report this comment
Posted by Something Indecent 2008-07-04 21:52:46 .... This was an interesting take on the crucifiction. The man seemed like he was mixed with remorce and a bitter satisfaction at some of his crimes. Unique perception. + Report this comment
Posted by bubbly 2008-07-04 22:15:45 crucified! hi! matt. better be crucified than to live with ill-deeds. at some points it was too dark but that was the mood of the story. there is a lesson in it. well done. lol. ;-) + Report this comment
Posted by A.T.O.M. 2008-07-05 13:19:50 Yes that is great never thought of doing that from the robbers point of view i might try that well i give it A plus great job keep up the good work...robbers view is excellent + Report this comment
Posted by aeden4416 2008-07-05 14:19:18 .... very nice. i dont think i've read anything so detailed from that point of view. excellent subject to write on. i've personally always been fascinated with the idea that the criminals redemption came only from condemnation + Report this comment
Posted by brandon_scott 2008-07-05 21:33:05 .... Very well done indeed! I'm glsd someone took the time to write a well thought out story based on a Biblical event told through the eyes of a background character. I myself wish to do that, but I now see that I have a tough act to follow. Very well done! + Report this comment
Posted by indianaman130 2008-07-06 01:38:59 .... Just throwing my two cents in, great concept, good flow. Like Something Indecent said, interesting take on a crucifiction. Great way to change the perspective of the reader. + Report this comment
Posted by r.e.potter 2008-07-06 08:22:04 .... Didn't see the end coming. Never would have guess it was about the man to the right of Jesus on the cross. I can only assume the man to his left after dying went...DOH! The discription of someone facing death was good. Even a religious fanatic has got to be a little scared..well done. + Report this comment
Posted by Nataliedflynn 2008-07-11 04:51:05 .... I liked this, nicely done. Nicely twisted. The only thing I'd say was it was a little upbeat for 1st cosidering the man was a criminal. In my personal opinion, I would have made it a little darker. But that IS just MY personal opinion. :-) + Report this comment
Posted by Pookerdoo 2008-07-11 06:07:29 .... Nicely done. I liked the change of perspective from the norm. It could have shown more of his impending doom before he realized a glimmer of hope from the cross beside him. It was well done for what it is, but I could see it twice as long and five times the impact. + Report this comment
Posted by Mokusa 2008-07-14 14:37:56 .... I thought this was great. Like everyone else said, the point of view is an excellent one and I can't remember reading anything quite like it. I can see it being a little longer though as Pookerdoo suggested. + Report this comment

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