July 1, 2015One Defense
One man regards another as a brute,
like those his kinfolks purchased for their own
use, like cattle, invisible and mute.
But sometimes, unexpectedly alone
in the soul’s light—dim, but not wholly out—
the once-possessed confront him, and he sees
a horrifying likeness: There’s no doubt
this is a man. Even on his knees,
or shackled, or in flames, or dangling noosed,
clearly a man, like him. What strange distress:
The would-be repossessor is reduced
by silent accusations. How confess
the common human blood shared with this man?
He needs to shed that blood. And knows he can.
from #47 - Spring 2015