All Rights Reserved Kaczmarek, David, Bro.

Gospel Canticle
Dedicated to Brother Robert Juroszek
on the occasion of his Solemn Profession
(Sept. 17, 2004)

Poor man he was, by his desire,

Old he was by the rigor of denial;

Vital yet, infused with faith and fire,

Eased in pain and facing every trial.

Right in soul, right with public peace,

Through dim eyes, never sight to cease.

Youthful wealth restored in empty frame.

Cross that called, now called again,

Heard by one who would now build;

And leaving, slowly leaving then,

Sought to finish what God willed.

Truly, blackness bleached to white,

In every breath, a passion strong fulfilled,

Truly, darkness, clearly turned to light.

Yes, the answer first, the answer last the same.

Owned but freely given and displayed,

Bound in life but full in life and prime;

Eager to submit and not dismayed,

Days passed quickly into endless time.

In songs his soul was gospel-loud,

Each word practiced-out in life;

Now new, now old, in sunlight and in cloud,

Calm and clear, embracing final strife.

Ending separation, with Sister Death he came.

 � David Kaczmarek, 2004

All Rights Reserved.

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