GRACE

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