An obscure barefoot friar in Italy Long labored in the Perugian sun, Heaped rocks upon rocks, and then other rocks, Up to a wavery roof of broken tiles, Repairing with his bleeding hands God’s church
Then, better known – it wasn’t his fault – this friar, With others in love with Lady Poverty, In hope and penance trudged to far-off Rome To offer there his modest Rule of life, Repairing with his mindful words God’s Church
Along the delta of the steaming Nile He waved away the worried pickets, crossed Into the camp of the Saracens Preaching Christ to merciful Al-Kamil, Offering with a martyr’s heart God’s Faith
Saint Francis is depicted in fine art In great museums and in modest homes - And you can find him too, down at Wal-Mart, Between the plastic frogs and concrete gnomes.