Consolations

Consolations /  Joshua Alan Sturgill     

We have no holy sacrifice,
but perhaps we can be Seth
— born to console his parents
when the murderer left. 

We cannot be like Joseph —
betrayed, though without sin.
Could we be his memory:
the childlike Benjamin?

We did not see with Solomon
his first temple glory-filled.
Instead, we join the refugees
who return and rebuild.

We cannot be John, leaning
on the breast of the Lord.
Our task is to be Peter
who repents and is restored

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All poetry and supplementary material: copyright 2023 by Joshua Alan Sturgill. All rights reserved.