The Unexpected Visitor

Asking for shelter
He knocks on my door
Quietly, gently,
He smiles as before.

"I know you don't know me,
At least, not so much
Now that you're older
And not so in touch

With your younger being
Who used to say hi
Whenever I'd visit
Your good self in life."

He sits at my table
And goes to break bread;
I look at him slowly ...
I'd thought him long dead,

He's here, yet, alive
And pouring the wine,
He's here in my home
Preparing to dine.

"I know you are hungry
And thirsty, 'tis true
I know you have suffered
Much more than your due

Yet look at my wounds
And bear with me, please,
I know you are hurting
But just be at ease

My hands do hurt so
And so do my feet;
I've travelled the world over
So you I could meet.

So please don't be hasty
To judge, that I beg;
I know I'm so late now
And that I regret ...

But please let me eat now
And drink some wine, too ...
And then, once I'm better
I'll come talk to you."

I look at the man
Surprised he lives, still ...
I touch his wounds, slowly ...
You know, He feels real.