What is a Christian? One who can recite
The Bible, knows the chapter and the verse
Whose reputation and whose robes are white
As clouds in sunlight, or one who can curse
In Latin words? What use is Christian breath
If not to speak for other folk less blessed
Who live in gutters, or who wait for death
In prison cells in darkness unconfessed?
Look see, above the statues and the gold
The pigeon sitting quietly on the cross
Come Francis, follow me back to the fold
Oh Lamb of God, be with them in their loss
And it was done. That was a Christian there
Inside the coffin in St. Peter’s Square

© Gail Foster 26th April 2025