Take up the cross

Take up the cross 

The task at hand is a daunting quest,
o seeker of God, the task at hand --
take up the cross at Truth's behest,

mourn and sigh, through mortal breast
renounce this sad, illusory strand.
The task at hand is a daunting quest --

don't look back, ephemeral guest,
bind yourself to eternity's band --
take up the cross at Truth's behest.

Unflinching, each moment fully blest,
let nothing take root, temptations withstand --
the task at hand is a daunting quest --

the itinerant soul's dire restlessness --
(from countless, ancient ages spanned?)
take up the cross at Truth's behest.

O weary charade, this realm at best
of that which shall eternal stand.
The task at hand is a daunting quest --
take up the cross at Truth's behest.

                     (Unpublished)