Sketch

Sketch

The sketch was done when

we were both much younger

friends commented on the uncanny

accuracy I achieved his eyes clear and

ready to receive Light his hair

curled and soft on his neck before

it became marred with blood

lips moist full and ripe

to speak the Word he would soon be given

now I am old and they bless

my old friend as The Last Prophet

it is no longer possible by Law

to depict him in any way

still I have this early sketch

friends said it was an accurate likeness

I can never show it to anyone now

Followers would destroy both it and me

what shall become of it?

I will roll it carefully

wrap it in tiraz cloth

appeal to the King of Cockroaches

O Kabi:kaj do not eat this paper

and seal it in a sturdy Meccan urn

perhaps one day after I have entered Paradise

someone will find it

in a more generous time

when it is no longer forbidden

to gaze upon His image.

Joe Dolce