Not until the end of the story,
when he is stripped of his dignity
and fixed violently to his cross,
do Jesus’ garments
momentarily take centre-stage.
In the story of the Baptiser
we are told at the outset
how he appeared before his public:
in camel hair and with a belt of leather.
Hardly the apparel of polite
and fashionable society,
but what we might expect
of such a wild and uncomfortable man
plying his strange calling
with hot and disconcerting words.
I wonder, did camel hair kept his body warm
during cold desert nights
among the rocks and lizards
when his followers had returned home?
The one who came after him
was no ascetic, his clothing was perhaps
less prickly, but only a little less shabby.
His words, too, were never really popular;
they challenged and disturbed,
shining light unexpectedly into long dark corners.
But some listened deeply.
Laying hold of hope,
they cast off their fearful robes
and danced.
