5. RESURRECTION Poem by Noel Rowe

For Jim Esler
Yes, Simeon, there was sorrow, but much fun
too, when he set about making contradiction.

I should have known: for when the glorias first were sung,
it was to celebrate my son, born among the dung.

Ever since, I've been hearing heaven's laughter.
Cana's newly-weds, absorbed in what was coming after,

did not even notice how the water changed its mind.
The Pharisees got a holy shock as a man born blind

told them if they didn't get a hold on their desires,
so taken up with Christ, they'd land themselves among his followers.

Sacred irreverence. It is a gift to those found free
in the spirit. Even Zaccheus found it in himself, up a tree,

and Lazarus, sauntering around in his shroud.
There was a time too when, expecting stones, a crowd

got instead some bread and fish. I heard a thief steal
his way back to paradise. The structure of the real

is mercy. Having seen so many reversals,
I should have known he would test his muscles

on the stone, and walk away from the dazed
grave, leaving its mouth open and amazed.


From Magnificat