Came
first time in a dream
clear as day
true as sunbeam
Then,
you could see him,
him and his miracles,
beamed round the world
an electronic stream
sent to redeem.
Now he’s back
with frightening recurrence
the love in his eyes
mistook for hate,
as he stands,
waiting,
with the leper at the gate.
Under siege
I’ll try a truce
with him
and his anger,
“Black Jesus
keep me strong
don’t be long
comin round
my sin’s
white as snow
come right in,
then go,
straight through,
out the back door
never see you again,
let me keep dreamin
just like before.”
Brother Maria Anthony Serval
of the Franciscan oblates of peace and justice
works among poor and marginalized communities in Denver
