These limping pilgrims,

weary, wounded, maimed, even.

Yet heading homeward,

leaning on sticks and each other.

 And each step of the way

leads to new wounds, fresh blood.

Mind, body, spirit – 

all assailed by the hard road.

Yet healing comes too,

wounds scab, scar and fade,

as the pilgrims open up,

bare their marks and offer them.

These limping pilgrims,

the oddest mix of wound and weal,

leaning on sticks and each other,

following their limping God.