I See You

I See You

I see you there
rolled into the back,
sad as the day is long, dependent on helpers,
masters disguised as servants.

I see you there
limping as you swivel your entire hip forward;
No subtle grimace and grime
you carry your load through the crowd 
who only care that you’re in their way.

I see you there
faded smile, living on the fumes of a distant youth
surrounded by friends with lonely longing;
hope slipping inexorably out of your reach.

What happened?
The injury, the illness, the interruption?
Not everyone carry those like you,
with your “Best before date” long past
you wonder when did it all go down?

I see you there
present to the One who is present to you
pushing your wheelchair as you grasp for air;
not alone, but not cured either.
Which would you want
if you had a choice?
You have a choice?

I see you there
staggering in the direction of
the One who always get in your way;
You didn’t know it but He does.
Not alone, but not cured either.
Which would you chose?

I see you there
sitting with the One who sits with you.

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Inspired by an incident in Lima, Peru when a young woman with MS was rolled in the back of the church where I was teaching. I had a sense to stop and tell her “I see you sister… and what is more, Jesus sees you too.”  She wept those heavy heaving tears; part sorrow for the incurable suffering of MS; part joy for being seen and aware of a Lover who seeks her. We long so much to be known, to be loved, to be seen.