The stories build over the years
to Sainthood.
Did he really talk to birds and
address them as brother and sister?
Did he really befriend the killer
wolf who attacked livestock
and humans alike?
Did he really experience the
stigmata? Did he feel the pain
but not suffer the shame?
It all makes for great paintings
to appreciate in great galleries.
The best is that he shed his
shoes and walked barefoot
among the poor
following the Savior
to heaven’s open door.