Ode to Pope John Paul II


People eat the same rice and bread
Sleep on beds cushioned with cotton wool
Perchance to dream of pleasures and pains
Left untouched by common sense

Thirst is quenched by the same water
That flows in the Tiber as in the Nile
The soul is blessed with it
Sins are cleansed with it

Some live afar from their loved ones
They make chores and bless their solitude
Reading books and painting with oils
Making tea when the kettle boils

On a fire of burning wood
The women made ready a wedding platter
Not that anyone noticed but a young man stood
And quickly made some wine from water

His hand was pierced by the same nail
The one that made the crucifix prevail
Through the ages it shall withstand
Watching lambs graze on the holy land

People pray for the same rice and bread
To be given everyday and trespasses forgiven
Not to be led to temptation
And for evil to be thrown away

There once was a man who talked of these things
Millions were moved by a wave of his hand
Today for them he waits in state
Tomorrow a friend will greet him at the gate

Medane, 8 April 2005