Bartimaeus

How much to you was that gorgeous cloak
That lay abandoned as you rushed to him?
Did sighted strangers wonder that so trim
Adornment could be found on poorer folk?
“Take courage, Pal. He’s calling you.” They said
As if you suffered from their lack of nerve.
Your desperate need had taught you how to serve
Yourself, and toss aside the senseless dread
Of merchants, pushing crowds, and soldiers’ threats.
So hearing Jesus pass you came right out
And taught me how to pray with every lout
Who can’t afford the leisure of regrets:
Jesus, Son of David, look at me.
Jesus, Son of God, I want to see.