Like Lazarus, I sat on
The Mansion House steps:
a citizen of The City
gave me the bus fare
to St. John’s, Waterloo.
Underground I dived.
Surfaced and sheltered
by the church portico
I learned that a beggar
is nothing more than
the passive recipient
of a stranger’s kindness.
When I was hungry
you gave me food;
water when thirsty.
My clothes were gifted,
shelter you found for me.
Kind were your words.
For these comforts
I lift up my hands
no longer in distress
but benediction:
gifting as poor return
all that you gave to me.
Blessed are the Merciful,
for they will receive Mercy.
Deo Gratias!
Tony Brady