Lazarus at the friary gate

a mountain of silence

Lazarus squatted at the friary gate

a mute beggar

hands tuck within his lap

his mind fixed on a gesture

a blessing pressed upon his head

that he might kneel 'pon gracious knees

before me with my folded hands

with eyes fixed above, toward the perceiving God

i lifted then his pressing hand

raised his arm to touch my head

saying forgive me please for all my sins

wanting the blessing that he could give

held within his out-stretched hand