Good

The old man comes out on the hill
And looks down to recall earlier days
In the valley.  He sees the stream shin,
The church stand, hears the litter of
Children's voices.  A chill in the flesh
Tells him that death is not far off
Now; it is the shadow under the great boughs
Of life.  His garden has herbs growing.
The kestrel goes by with fresh prey
In its claws.  The wind scatters the scent
Of wild beans.  The tractor operates
On the earth's body:  His grandson is there
Ploughing:  his young wife fetches him
Cakes and tea and a dark smiles.  It is well.




The Interrogation

But the financiers will ask
In that day: IS it not better
To leave broken bank balances
Behind than broken heads?

And Christ recognizing the
New warriors will feel breaching
His healed side their terrible
Pencil and the haemorrhage of its figures.