� copyright All Rights Reserved Wilson, Richard S.

(a villanelle)

" Once we understand the natural history of leprosy, it becomes clear that a diagnosis of tuberculoid leprosy best accounts for Francis' illness. His stigmata can be understood as the wounds of a man who became a leper precisely because of his love for the Crucified Leper. "

SCHAZLEIN & SUMASY

The leper that I've shunned
Is the Christ I'm asked to face
On this journey I've begun.

The stench had left me stunned,
His countenance I debased,
This leper that I've shunned.

My world has come undone
By the miracle of His grace
On this journey I've begun.

For the riches that are won
Are gathered in embrace
From the leper that I've shunned.

With wounds that leave me numb
Brother Ass is laid to waste
On the journey I've begun.

So I no longer run
Or live my life in haste
Fearing the leper I once shunned.

Though I burn with Brother Sun
It's His passion that I trace
In the hug, that kiss, His face:

See the leper I've become
As I live a life displaced
On my journey to the Son.