You see that man, there, standing in the temple?
He looks to heaven, lifting his chin.
He prays, “God, I’m glad I’m not a Gentile—
You have made me unlike other men.”
Now here’s a woman—she falls down on the threshold
As far into the place as she can go.
She cries, “God, I am a dog, and I’m unworthy,
But I beg you for your mercy—just a crumb.”
The Lord says, “True—none of you deserve this.
No one here has a right to me.
But if you are a dog, I am the bread to be devoured,
And whoever comes to me, I will let eat.”
Since he’s satisfied, the proud man leaves there—
He passes by the woman on the floor.
He passes by the leaping and the leper—
They’re all singing to the king of Israel.
For the God of foreign women is adopting!
Jesus enters from the room behind the veil,
Saying to the priests, “Bring out my robe—this shall be done
For the one I wish to honour as my son.”
“For don’t you see? None of you deserve this.
No one here has a right to me.
But if you are poor in spirit, I have made my table free,
And whoever comes to me, I will let eat.
Whoever comes to me, I will let eat!”
(2020)
Hannah Hunt 