Mixed Multitude
By Marian Moore
I am the man who
chasing an errant lamb, glimpses
the flicker of flame but turns aside
to rescue the missing. I return
to my flock, wary
of wolves in this wilderness.
I am the woman who hears
a burning
melody tumbling from russet leaves.
God sings from a cleft in the rock.
Yet I go back to camp,
remembering my ailing mother
and the water that I carry.
I am the retinue that must be rescued.
By Moses, by Harriet,
by Toussaint in his borrowed uniform.
Released from my servitude; I hold
my head high—brazen
enough to ask for back wages.
Tell the prophet that I was loyal
to family
if not to God. I
preserved the blaze of life
and I know where the bones of my forebears
are buried.
Wow, this is one thought-provoking piece. Good work.
Thanks!
I love the depth of this poem and how you make us feel the story.
Stunning…This is spectacular and heart stopping. Thank you.
Wow, how touching and so prevalent considering our current struggles. Nice piece and a provoking message!
I identify with your journey.
Peace be with you.
Beautiful, Marian!!!