Naked

Naked in different ways -

when all is stripped,

stolen, given away;

claimed by time

and the march of souls. 

Naked, when the smile

is no longer a disguise

and the barren tear offers

no sheeny, shiny, shelter

in the thirsty desert.

Naked, skinless,

muscles merely shadow

and a memory of strength.

Exposed,

Ezekiel’s miracle

is a long time coming,

while the dry-boned valley

anticipates  resurrection.