The Friday Poem on 17/05/2024
John 11:1–44 tells the story of how Jesus raised Lazarus of Bethany from the dead four days after his entombment. To be released from long-term chronic pain can feel like a miracle. Richard Meier’s small but perfectly formed poem manages to convey not only the relief, amazement and power of such an event, but also his very human reaction to it. There’s not a word out of place here. This poem ticks all our boxes, and more.
After the miracle
How Lazarus reacted
St. John does not record.
I wonder if, like me —
after I saw that woman
who took away the pain
which so long stooped and shaped me —
Lazarus had no words
to meet such shocking change
and rather than bow down
simply muttered thank you,
the way you might thank someone
for offering you some food
or holding a door open.
