The Weight of the Word

The weight of his words held the weight of the world

Weighing heavily upon his mind

Particles and articles melted away

As the ancient tongues intertwined

He lifted his stylus as he lifted his soul

Praying neither be led astray

Guiding God’s children with each periphrastic

To the light, the truth, and the way

An apostle, a disciple, a prophet, a judge

Followed him down every hall

Sharing their secrets, revealing their hearts

Cohabitating once and for all

Midnight candles greeted the sun

And sleep was a distant dream

Isaiah boasts no rest for the wicked

But there’s less for a man of esteem

The choices, the choices, the verse, and the words

How can one really know?

How does an angel greet a virgin?

Hail? Be well? Hello?

How does a camel fit through a needle?

Is it brother, cousin, or friend?

Uncountable souls clung to his words

In hopes of a world without end

Babel’s confusion plagued his thoughts

Was his tower getting too high?

For he reached for heaven on the page

One tongue for one Adonai

His cross to bear was quite unbearable

But his words brought us all home

The spotless bride shall sing forever

Its praise for Saint Jerome