Grave Robbers

Lazarus came forth, gleaming white,
A pillar wrapped tight outside his tomb.
Jesus looked at us, 'Take off the grave clothes,
And let him go.'

Panic twisted my gut like a wet wash rag
Wringing out courage.

Who knows how to undress a mummy raised from the dead? Does one start at the heart or close to the head? We circled him as if he were a bomb to diffuse.

Then we began in earnest,
Unbinding, tearing, speaking comfort as we went.

The crowd pressed in hurling advice like stones.

Lazarus stood like marble, cold from his grave,
While we sweated in the cruel sun,
Unwrapping his trappings.
But suddenly, (or did it take years?)
It was complete.

Mary and Martha washed their brother in tears:

He was free -- naked and in his right mind.

 
   
Note: This site describes Peterson Toscano's work until late 2003. See PetersonToscano.com for current info.