you are standing in the sun
light of
white as the stone walls of
the cathedral.
twenty-one black men stand
with you.
the bells ring and trees watch
silently,
taking note of your names.
somewhere they will be reported.
only in
without seams.
here it is hot—burning with
electricity
on the fingertips and tongues.
here the shadows are sharp
and black,
cut deeper than the soil.
their urine soaked wounds
are your own.
today you stand in the sun
light of
untouched by the soothing gospel
songs.
the ocean opens its blue
shining mouth,
and offers the sacrament of
terror.
you swallow it: and live.
This poem was written for Colin Winter, Anglican Bishop-in-exile of
L.M. Jendrzejczyk was on the staff of the Fellowship of Reconciliation in

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