UNDERLAYER

Let them take it 
Off you, 
Your dignity

Said the Crucified

Like they took it
From me

Untorn
Undergarment

Full woven
Seamless

Nearest to skin
And flesh and bone
Protective layer

Camouflaging
Its naked
Sensitivity

Let us let go
Of all that

Arriving uncovered
In the underlayer
Of contemplation

Heart and soul

Where God communes
Intimately
With unspeakable tenderness

Where seamless integrity
True dignity is born

And hope springs to life
Borne out in every
External expression