The Leper and St. Francis – a poem by William Palmer

The Leper and St. Francis 



When St. Francis heard you 
ring a bell to stay away, 

he came near
and got off his horse, 

kissed your hand
and gave you money. 

When he turned to leave, 
he saw you had vanished.

What happened to you, 
dear man?

Did you transform into a vine 
of blue morning glories

that stayed open 
all day?

William Palmer’s poetry has appeared recently in JAMA, J Journal, One Art, On the Seawall, Talking River Review, and The Westchester Review. He lives in Traverse City, Michigan.