Beggar

I watch their feet

As they enter the temple courts

I ask alms to the rhythm of their steps

Someone gives me a small copper coin

Maybe he’s hoping I’ll go away

That’s all I can expect

Where is the beauty in this Beautiful gate?

I cannot reach beyond it

Does anyone see me?

Or will I waste away,

Without being known?

Wait, I’ve seen those fishermen before

They walked with that Rabbi,

What was his name…?

Maybe they’ll give me alms

“Can you spare alms for a poor lame man?”

“Look at us!”

No one has ever looked at me so intensely before

“Silver, nor gold do I have,

But what I do have I give you,

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”

Right, that was the Rabbis name, Jesus!

Doesn’t he know I don’t have the strength

Still I’ll give him my hand

Will I fall?

I’m standing!

I can run!

I hear my feet kicking up the dust that I used to lie on

“Praise God! I can walk beyond the gate!”