by Sister Lou Ella Hickman

mark 1:40-45

how long did the skin of exile claim him
	a creature whose lonely voice wailed
                               unclean         unclean
                    only night dared to be his friend
 	   until
	   they met 
	   the Word made Flesh touching festered flesh
		brought him home again
	                  go     to    the   priest
                                 offer what is right
                       let your silence be your thanks
		 but he spoke
                 	and the word spread
                     did this good deed
                                  exact a future price
                	     when Life itself was exiled in a darkness
                      that watched His matted garment stripped
			revealing blooded skin unclean

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Sister Lou Ella Hickman, OVISS writings have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies. Press 53 published her first book of poetry in 2015 entitled she: robed and wordless and her second, Writing the Stars on October 4, 2024. She was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2017 and 2020.  She was also nominated for the Best of the Net in 2026.