Lazarus

by William Bonfiglio

When he woke into broken night
back aching from his stony berth

when he arose and swung his feet
to earthen floor of mountain cell

when he took his first tender step
and followed with emboldened will

when he walked from dark into light
into the view of clan and kin

when they tore the shroud from his face
lost the wraps to the hillside wind

when his pale skin four days entombed
felt sun’s invigorating brace

when his body drew second breath
did he then fear his second death?