Offertory

by Matthew Mehan

My sinews lack the strength and

As they begin to lengthen

In an inane attempt to exempt

Myself from loss of health and hearth and heart.

I see my arms are lifting,

They shake while faintly gifting

All I have and all I am,

To the one whose bells I answered.

How absurd! To think that I might

Have raised myself the toll at

The gate of him whose bells

I answered when he rang them.