I live in Dublin, Ireland. Sometimes. Most times I live in my head, quite unaware of my surroundings – if you know what I mean… If you succeed in tracking Sean Walsh, please let me know, ok? I've been searching for him for years…
Witness
(A piece for Two Voices)
Bell! The bell! Why doesn’t he – ?
Or call out – Leper! Leper!
‘Coming towards us even as we –
Then back, people! Back!..
Oh, what is he about?
In danger of stoning if he comes any –
And still he stumbles on… intent.
On what?
Could it be… the rabbi from Galilee?
Oh?.. Oh, yes!.. desperate.
All of us backing off –
Except the Nazarene.
He has turned… waits…
Smiles by Heaven! Smiles!
As the leper kneels to him –
hands and face set in pleading…
Oh, no! The rabbi is reaching out –
Don’t touch! Don’t touch!
Too late! He has placed a hand on…
The leper touching his face… hands –
Cured? Could he be?..
Indeed and indeed! Firm, healthy flesh –
No sores now, scabs, withered tissue…
Arms and limbs renewed.
And of a sudden! In an instant!..
Standing now… talking.
If only we could tell what they are – ?
No… Nor will we ever – unless…
What?
He calls to the crowds in passing…
Upright now… standing tall.
A backward glance at his life-giver –
and now on his way:
“He admonished me… not to…”
People stopping to stare… give ear:
“Sure how can I not?!”
On barren earth… rags ruffled
by a gentle breeze…
To one side… a bell.
(A piece for Two Voices)
Bell! The bell! Why doesn’t he – ?
Or call out – Leper! Leper!
‘Coming towards us even as we –
Then back, people! Back!..
Oh, what is he about?
In danger of stoning if he comes any –
And still he stumbles on… intent.
On what?
Could it be… the rabbi from Galilee?
Oh?.. Oh, yes!.. desperate.
All of us backing off –
Except the Nazarene.
He has turned… waits…
Smiles by Heaven! Smiles!
As the leper kneels to him –
hands and face set in pleading…
Oh, no! The rabbi is reaching out –
Don’t touch! Don’t touch!
Too late! He has placed a hand on…
The leper touching his face… hands –
Cured? Could he be?..
Indeed and indeed! Firm, healthy flesh –
No sores now, scabs, withered tissue…
Arms and limbs renewed.
And of a sudden! In an instant!..
Standing now… talking.
If only we could tell what they are – ?
No… Nor will we ever – unless…
What?
He calls to the crowds in passing…
Upright now… standing tall.
A backward glance at his life-giver –
and now on his way:
“He admonished me… not to…”
People stopping to stare… give ear:
“Sure how can I not?!”
On barren earth… rags ruffled
by a gentle breeze…
To one side… a bell.
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