The Tear

I saw the tear

before he turned away

and bade goodbye

And gave it not a thought

As the money pouch burned

its expectation

into my mind

I saw the tear

But I laughed

at his foolishness

In my swineherd’s rags

I recall

a dancing enchantress

a revelling drunkard

and the friends of my

pocket and table

abandoned, the gut twisting

hunger envelops, the bitter winds

seep into my soul

and more painful than this

I remember

The tear

He is waiting

He is watching

Arms outstretched in welcome

Father

Let me kneel at your feet

bury my face in your arms

Receive my pain

Forgive my shame

Accept your servant

He bids me rise

and I see

His tears, and then

My Father’s smile

copyright Josephine Collett 2012

(The story of the prodigal son is found in the gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11-32)