Lazarus -- a poem by Olivia

Icon from the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

In honor of Lazarus Saturday, we'd like to share a set of haikus from our dokimos, Olivia, which she wrote a few years ago during a discernment visit at our monastery. 

Lazarus

I. 

The One who’s far off

Draws near to His friend who sleeps. 

Mercy’s hour has passed. 

II. 

Two hearts ache with One. 

Closeness would have spared His friend. 

Earth encloses death. 

III. 

Two hearts cry to Hope. 

Brother sleeper quakes for joy. 

Mercy’s hour awakens. 

IV. 

“Lazarus, come forth!”

One life bursting through the veil 

Will cost the Other’s.