We Call Them Unclean

stuffed critters line the dashboard of the V-dub he takes every day to visit her where she rests his bent fingers pluck strings serenade little princess sightless except for shadows, sees the cloudless day and beams the brightest crooked-smile gratitude feisty one drives big truck one leg to pump the pedals which one, the gas of course! while she dreams of evenings dancing bike pedals turning, churning on his daily fitness route he ventured out, not accepted came home to lead belonging rubber boots, wide-brimmed hat hands toil earth creating beauty short strong arms set nets He reaps ocean's bounty through serenity *the unmentionable word of all time – leprosy. The stigma still exists for those who have long been rid of Hansen's Disease. The only unclean thing is the heart of mankind. Dedicated to all those who have honored and touched my heart on Molokaí.