Ode To Victor Hugo (19)jean Valjean-'the Miserable' Ex Convict Poem by Freeyad Ibrahim

Ode To Victor Hugo (19)- Jean Valjean-"The Miserable"Ex Convict

Poem by Freeyad Ibrahim

The bishop Myriel was
The only creature on earth
who took him in
and respected him.
Each time he uttered
The word ‘monsieur'
In his mild companionable voice
Jean Valjean's face lighted up
The courtesy to the ex -convict
Was like fresh water
to a shipwrecked man
Ignominy thirsts for respect.

The Man of God has eased
his tense first
Said
‘This house is not mine
But Christ's
It does not ask
a man his name
but whether
he is in need.'

I say that..
Not only the convict to be blamed
but the society first
What becomes of the leaves
Of a tree
Sawed down
At the root? !

Freyad Hugo
Heerenveen
September,2020