catapult magazine

The Beatitudes: 1

by Michelle Julianne Gallagher

Blessed are the poor in spirit;
Stumblers,
Stutterers,
“Send someone else, God,”
Sons of Moses, all.

I would have said anything for You,
But You struck me dumb.
I would have done anything for You,
But You crushed all my bones.

My blood, your water,
My water, your blood,
They all fell to the ground together
And cried out:

Blessed are the poor in spirit!
Silent
Stillborn
Sons of God.
Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Your words etch my name in solid flesh
Yours are the hands that beat on my chest:
I live.