Refuse and Refuse
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
The refuse after war is what he had
Become. The refuse after battle with
His father but first the trash, the bad
Boy, as the refuse after war. The myth,
Much truer than such facts as can be gleaned
Amongst his sainthood’s sentimental lore,
Enlarged as he wore rags from others, leaned
To hug a leper and to kiss the sore
Upon his scabby foot.* The saint refused
Much more when he had stolen lush brocade
Of comfortable life. The wounds that oozed
Propelled him heavenward. Where Francis prayed,
Eternity came down and filled the poor
With healing, dressings of holy velour.