I Knew

I Knew David J Walker I I knew a priest Who blessed the best and worst of us Saying Go in Peace But leave your burdens here II I knew a man who bore His chest And cursed the heavy verse That tore his breast And left him overcome With fear III I knew the sound of Distant thunder And feigned the smell Of distant rain In dry wonder And long-deserted days IV I knew the phrase of Remittance The key to every golden door And who so swore would Join the banquet And thirst no more for Wine from the golden goblet V I knew a woman who Foretold the fortunes Of worried patrons Who burned their aprons And locked their doors Vowing this time no more VI I knew the tales of Reconciliation Leaving the burdens On the steps for the Priests to sweep away In the mornings after VII I knew life when The sun was burning Hot In the midst of a Lush garden