Melvin

Doctors said our neighbor Melvin wouldn’t live, then they said he wouldn’t walk, but his sons wouldn’t take “won’t” for an answer. His local gym was the parish church, where he would learn to walk again, around and around. One Good Friday, he was able to walk up the aisle where he venerated the cross as we watched in humble silence. It was a moment many will never forget.

Melvin

Austin takes his father by the hand Passing all the stations of the cross Walking with him through Jerusalem Past the frozen panes of winter frost Winter coats and boots on cobblestone’s See where Jesus fell the second time Past the altar down the middle aisle Melvin walks with Austin by his side

Just outside the church a stand of birch Branches bend towards the Chapel Lane Down below the church a farmer’s field Down below the fields a frozen bay

Melvin barely speaks but he can walk Up the aisle to stand at Calvary Hill All the world outside is passing by All the world inside is standing still Watching as he venerates the cross Here’s a man the doctors said would die Humbly walking through Jerusalem Melvin walks with Austin by his side

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Just outside the church a stand of birch Branches bend towards the Chapel Lane Down below the church a farmer’s field Down below the fields a frozen bay

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Near where they lay Jesus in the tomb All around the church on feet of clay Just the place to stretch a farmer’s bones Where a man can learn to walk again