The Touch

Who knows how long the leper lived,
Since last he felt a touch?
Who knows the depth of suffering
And solitude of such?

The torment of his body
And the exile of his soul!
To be cast out and ostracized,
Despised with none to hold.

While none would dare be near him,
One knew how he yearned.
While others ran for cover,
This One stopped and turned.

No one could attend him.
This man was all alone.
Until the hand of Jesus
Was willing to atone.

Heaven sent, compassion bound
The Shepherd found this sheep
Distorted, wounded kneeling down,
He raised him to his feet.

He closed the open wounds
And straightened limbs once curled.
Jesus touched the leper with,
The touch felt ‘round the world.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Leiser Avatar
January 10, 2021 at 11:31 AM
Beautiful poetry that honors Jesus and His healing miracles, Tom! Your poetic rhythm and “voice” rings out strongly throughout. A fave! :)
Valles Avatar
November 4, 2022 at 4:15 PM
Thank you for your comments, Laura. I have read your poems and wow, the volume of your work and depth of prowess you possess are impressive. I feel like a junior poet next to your work.
Sergi Avatar
May 2, 2015 at 7:54 AM
A very touching poem. I could sense your feeling in writing this poem. I guess there are many lepers in this world.
Valles Avatar
November 4, 2022 at 4:16 PM
Thank you for taking the time to comment on the poem. WE are so fortunately to be able to express our passions so freely.
Muideen Avatar
April 29, 2015 at 2:18 PM
Interesting poem.........it touched my heart.
Valles Avatar
November 4, 2022 at 4:16 PM
I am so glad it touched you. Blessings to you.
A   Avatar
April 26, 2015 at 2:36 PM
Hi Tom, Dropped by to say hi and congratulate you on having your poem selected by Soup's Administration. This is a wonderful poem to have featured on the homepage. ~Always & Forever~ LINDA
A   Avatar
March 22, 2013 at 6:41 PM
TOM , a nice warm welcome to the soup. My name is Linda, many poets on the soup call me PD for fun. I'm stopping by to invite you to one of my latest contest... called ---> "Only for the New Poets of 2013--the first poem you posted on the soup..." he he he Yes it has a long title. But, I want to give the new poets on the soup the enjoyment and challenges we offer in our contest. If you like please consider my contest. I love the enjoyment of meeting and reading the new poems from all new poets. Thank you for your time~ Always*LINDA
Valles Avatar
November 4, 2022 at 4:18 PM
Sorry I missed your invitation! I don't get in and check my comments enough.
S-K Avatar
March 22, 2013 at 11:49 AM
I absolutely loved your poem. Really hits home and touches the heart. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing poem. :-) You have a natural gift.
Valles Avatar
November 4, 2022 at 4:19 PM
I am so grateful for your encouraging comments. It's great that we have a place like Poetrysoup to write for each other.
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