Crown of Thorns

When we are born,

we are all adorned

with a crown of thorns.

We are not told

we can remove it at any time that we choose,

release ourselves from all of the crimes we have laid upon ourselves and others.

Instead, we are taught to love it.

So we decorate it —

with flowers, with gems.

We let it condemn us.

Some even use it as a tool

to create false rules.

We go through life weak and weary,

with many crosses to carry.

We become attached,

drag them wherever we go,

too afraid to let them go.

If we choose to remove our crown,

even if only

one thorn at a time,

we can bury our crosses.

Final surrender,

and render our souls

free.

Copyright @Rachel Ann 2025

About the “Crown of Thorns poem:

In this poem, the “crown of thorns” symbolizes the pain, guilt, and self-imposed suffering that people carry through life.

The biblical allusion to Jesus’ crown of thorns evokes suffering, sacrifice, and burden — but in this poem, it’s universalized. Everyone is “born” with one, meaning we all inherit or create our own mental or emotional suffering.

The lines “we are not told we can remove it… Instead, we are taught to love it”suggest that society or upbringing conditions us to accept pain, guilt, or limitation as part of our identity, even to the point of defending it.

“We decorate it” implies that people try to make their suffering seem meaningful or beautiful — perhaps by rationalizing their pain or wearing their hardships as badges of honor.

The crosses we carry represent further burdens — responsibilities, regrets, or emotional baggage — that we cling to out of habit or fear.

Finally, “remove our crown, even if only one thorn at a time” and “bury our crosses”speak of spiritual liberation— freeing ourselves gradually from self-inflicted suffering and finding peace.

So, the crown of thorns in this poem depicts the inner suffering, guilt, and limiting beliefs we choose to carry, and the poem’s message is about the possibility of release and spiritual freedom.

Copyright @Rachel Ann 2025