Trembling.

on a bamboo bed fitted to tend to ill men

lies Tamunu worn out by a sickness

that has kept him

within an inch of life for moons

helpless with eyes shut

and turned to search

deep within

he ferrets out hidden sins

in one attempt

for absolution before the priest

who had him urged to so do

for sins when absolved from

often restore health



”how vile

a single soul

these despicable

acts to have discharged?”

the earth murmured trembling

with turbulent rage

for penance

for more penance

or not

on him who for healing alone

had sought absolution