twice dying, version 2

Last week’s post garnered more response than usual.  Some of you wrote to tell me that you had always wondered what Lazarus felt about coming back from the dead.  Others wrote to tell me that you had NEVER thought about it from Lazarus’ point of view.  The poem seemed to speak profoundly to both. 

My husband suggested a change to the structure of the poem that I really liked, so I’m sending it out again.  See if you notice the difference, and which version you like better.  No matter where you landed, I thank you for being part of my faithful community of family, friends and readers. 

Love, Liz

Poor Lazarus
   asleep in his tomb
   held womblike for all eternity
   hearing the wails and laments of his sisters
   as though a distant memory
   an echo of something gone but not forgotten

 Perhaps forgotten would be better
   left alone in silence
   left in peace
   until along comes a man
   with tears in his eyes
   weeping because he knows what he must do
   hauling Lazarus back
   into a world that will hate him
   despise him just for being a living
   breathing proof of power

 yet, Lazarus comes forth
   at the tearful entreaty of his sisters
   at the determination of the Father
   at the reluctant command of his friend
   to the vitriol of his enemies
   to die again another day

Is it cruel exploitation of a friend
   to make him go through death’s door twice
   once is unnatural enough
   for one with a nature
   more suited to eternity

no wonder Jesus wept 

Liz McFadzean