Warming Up

The ten thousand hours are newly begun, so here goes.

Bartimaeus or Me?

One denarius, one bite of bread,
one sip of water for the summer heat,
a cloak, a sandal, a fig, a touch--
have mercy.

Someone to wash my head, my feet, my hands,
to cleanse my stench, my sweat, my unseen filth,
to pause a moment from the hurry--
have mercy.

Describe the day for me: Jericho,
the donkey braying, a merchant's spices,
children's games, the temple offerings--
have mercy.

Please speak my name! Hear my pleading.
Let your robes brush my feet as you pass; when
you are safely home, remember me--
have mercy.

Wait--

Who leads the coming crowd? I heard the name;
I know his fame if the stories are true.
Son of David! I too am a man--
have mercy!