i don't know his name
i've not seen him before or since
he arrived silently
backpack on his shoulders

tentative steps
looking around to see if
his presence would be allowed

he walked quietly
not tiptoeing but with no sound
he looked deeply 
seeming enchanted 
by stained glass windows

full circle
 around
then he arrived 
at the foot of the cross
he stood in silence

"Father, forgive them
for they know not
what they do."

he remained standing 
transfixed
as a poem began to be read
he sat for a moment
before he continued
exploring the part he had
not yet seen

he left on still silent feet
but paused again
at the foot of the cross
marked himself 
with the familiar sign
and continued on his way

some might have questioned
did he belong
but i know who i saw that day
a neighbour seeking
and i saw Jesus in him

Written on Good Friday 2023, during our time of meditation on the seven last words from the cross. I was tempted to take a photo, but even from the back, his coat was distinctive. Instead I wrote these words to ensure I would remember.

Photo credit: karencee (c) 2021