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Jesus would not trust himself to them
because he knew them all,
and did not need anyone to testify about human nature.
He himself understood it well.
(Gospel)  


Terminal Ward I

So many there
waiting

their bodies beyond

control as
vegetable

life or
healing
itself—

one when told
cried

then smiled
and
made plans to
be
with her daughter

J. Janda


J. Janda’s poems have appeared in newspapers, magazines, anthologies, and literary publications, as well as in books of his own poetry.


The present poem comes from the Janda's book, In Embrace.

Art by Martin Erspamer, OSB
from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C). This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org