Brother John

Brother John, an old monk

Frail, crippled with arthritis

Sitting in the monastery orchard

Sleepy on a bench of stone

Content among the fruit trees.


Retired from his life of toil

Working for God in Africa

Shepherding souls for the mission

Obedience, poverty, and chastity

Wearing a White Father's habit.


Never faltering in his calling

Prayers and self-sacrifice

Enduring hardships

Taking all the fierce blows

Satan rained upon him.


Loving with unwavering faith

Giving his soul to God

Without doubt or question

Sees bright light of God among the trees

Dies with smile on his lips.

Colin Ian Jeffery


Share My Bread


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