Bear him. Bear him lightly,

as an incense bearer

swings the censer,

 

as a dancer bears

the air above her and

across her shoulders,

 

as bread is borne home

hot and light from market

in a basket,

 

as bell notes borne

on waves of air from open,

arched courtyards,

 

bear him. Bear him like

that Job, who bore sharp

news with song,

 

who heard from God with

one hand over his mouth,

like this.

—Margaret Kellermann