Black man wrapped in white
he sits quietly reading
then a tap on the glass
he turns toward the sound
with such grace
his smile welcomes the visitors
standing at his prison cell door
he sees friends
they see Jesus
the struggle of a lifetime
is in the move
from the bed to the seat
two more chairs please
for my visitors
what we couldn't say
he says for us
"I am dying
AIDS
it's okay."
we talk
we pray
we find our dignity
through his.
he takes us to a place
I have never been
with his smile
with his tears
and grace
we thank God
we share bread
a brother's touch
the bishop anoints
and we remember
marked as Christ's own forever
he falls into my arms
this angel with parched lips
and broken wings
such grace.
Brother Dennis
