The Baptist by the River Jordan
This one is like a comet
Long ago promised
A white force sent from the heavens
To sear the earth-
He roams in leather and camel’s hair
Set in a wilderness mist
Skin black as the fishermen of summer
No earthly prince, and yet
In droves they gather
From every kingdom
Soldiers find a balm for internal wounds
Others are released from infernal gloom
His words, like physician’s tools
Cut festering sores, and more
Blinders drop beneath blue skies
Michele Marie
