As part of the Passover celebration there are several steps. One of the steps is the Maggid. This is where the stories of the Exodus and Israel’s release from captivity in Egypt are retold. Before that happens this part of the evening is kicked off by asking four questions collectively known as Ma Nishtana. The main question is: What makes this night different from all other nights?

This villanelle tries to capture the mood on that first Maudy Thursday as Jesus’ closest followers eat the Passover meal without quite understanding that His hour had come nor how different this night was really going to be from all other nights.

Why is this night different we say
We prepare bread of yeast-less dough
Guarded by the lamb we did slay

In the upper room we will stay
Expectations and rumors flow
Why is this night different we say

We eat and drink, our mood is gay
We pass the cup, our faces glow
Guarded by the lamb we did slay

He says one of us will betray
Judas leaves but we still don’t know
Why is this night different we say

Now, our fears He tries to allay
He will leave and we can not go
Guarded by the lamb we did slay

Love is the command to obey
What this means to us He will show
Why is this night different we say
Guarded by the lamb we will slay