Holy Fool

A poem inspired by Crime and Punishment

Photo by Ye Jinghan on Unsplash

I recently finished reading Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky for a literature class. I’d highly recommend it, but regardless of whether you’re familiar with the storyline, I hope this piece resonates 🙏🏼

---

Holy Fool

For years, I memorize
the silhouettes of the greats.

At night, I dream
of an act so bold it will break 
the bonds of monotony, 
inscribe my name on history’s walls.  
 
Then, they will see
(I will know) 
that I am unafraid of blood, 
of the cost of glory. 

///

In the dark, 
I discover my true reflection.

Shame’s shadow lurks 
like an officer on my case, 
and this small room closes in 
on me, 
on these red-stained hands.

///

And He
That was
Dead
Came forth.

~John 11:44

///

By the morning waters, 
love resurrects.

Now I confess
I’m a fool like the rest.
So meet me in this prison,
come and make me holy.

---

(I keep being reminded of Philippians 2:5-11, which offers such a haunting and powerful picture of true greatness.)

---