by Jeffrey Essmann

If we the Word are meant to spread
That yes, He’s risen from the dead
For all those who have ears to hear,
The Lord perhaps might have instead
Of me besought a volunteer
More worthy of the mission dear. 

My soul is riddled here and there
With holes in need of quick repair,
As they temptation’s airs admit.
Yet, of my failings quite aware,
He has with Mercy Infinite
Turned all by grace to benefit.

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Jeffrey Essmann is an essayist and poet living in New York. His poetry has appeared in numerous magazines and literary journals, among them Dappled Things, the St. Austin Review, The Society of Classical Poets, Amethyst Review, Agape Review, America Magazine, U.S. Catholic, Heart of Flesh Literary Journal, Edge of Faith, Pensive, and various venues of the Benedictine monastery with which he is an oblate. He is editor of the Catholic Poetry Room page on the Integrated Catholic Life website.