The Law of Moses
By Sarah Madsen
Hands at the wrist
tightly wound about—
not like the cover
that so loosely droops
at the shoulders…
Deeds worn on the sleeves
are more hidden than mine.
Dragged and dropped
at the base of those steps
I dare not lift my eyes;
for sandaled feet sit
before those that let fall
so shameful a state.
Shouts of justice reach
beyond ears; but I am
blind to all but the
sand beneath my body.
Fingers like flame
engrave words,
which I so desperately
want to know
upon the ground—
below a trembling heart—
Stops the rhythm
when silence cuts the air
with its taunting sharpness.
But He threw no stones…
