Writ & Whimsy

Leviticus 16: 21-22

[The high priest] is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.

The Minder

Who minds a scapegoat? 
Nobody minds
Except me – I was sent to watch 
and see which way it goes 
Into the wilderness.

I was sent to make sure 
our sins are really carried away 
out of the camp, out of sight
so that we can bear God’s gaze on us.

Mary

Who minds this child? 
Nobody minds
except me – I couldn’t find him,
couldn’t see, why he let us worry – 
why he stayed behind?

How do I mind this child 
who teaches learned men
and sees things I do not understand?

Pilate

Who minds the truth?
Nobody minds 
except me – why do they insist
this man must die?

I could set the innocent free but
They want a murderer instead.
So I will wash my hands 
and leave his blood to them.

Mary Magdalene

Who minds the dead?
Nobody minds
except us – alone, we bring him
our crushed spices and souls,
a sharp scent carried on the wind.

How can we anoint the missing?
Who are these shining men
that tell us things we do not understand?

Saint

Who minds a scapegoat?
Nobody minds,
Not even me – except that grace
gives seeing eyes

He came to make sure 
our sins are really carried away 
out of our hearts. Out of the world,
so that we can bear God’s gaze on us.