rain barrel


by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer

a crimson drip

more precious

glints

that sunlight

in

from fingertip

and falls

so far

to thirsty ground

the next diverted

spreads

to downy hair

pricked up by colder breeze

skin not ptotected by a sleeve

but harshly bared

and wet

so sore

blood stained

tear choked

ooze from wounds score

did anyone

think to extend

a hand

to catch that dear warm blend

of liquids

or did horror

stop

the thought to save

life's saving drop

Veronica alone did sop

and clean Your face

nor reach the top

to touch and soothe cpould those who waited

as the afternoon grew late

with dying light and hours the same

when You removed from me

all blame

Beloved

I tabernacle make

of each spilled atom

for our sake

if only those I think about

and see when face You show

or out of pity I on others' face

dry blood, sweat, tear

as take Your place

the suffering unable to care for themselves

I treat for You

and thus Your skin I wipe and kiss

You made of me a nurse for this

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