“Should I?” she wondered
jostled by a crushing crowd
wrapped around a miracle worker.

Twelve years of bleeding misery
being deemed ritually unclean,
an outcast shrouded in perpetual shame
propelled her forward
to just touch the hem
of his garment.

Taking hesitant steps
her desperate need
squeezed her through
with outstretched hand
risking society’s frown
and constant disdain.

Surprise surfaced in both
the daring woman
and the great physician
for power flowed generously
to the one instantly healed
and made whole again.

The question, “Who touched me?”
hung in the puzzled stares
of people a breath away.

Heart touched heart
in a tender look
that washed away years
of her aching isolation.

A compassionate smile
reached the once timid one
now beaming in graced glory
as the words floated around her
“Daughter, your faith has healed you,
  Go in peace.”

+++++++++++++

(based on Mark 5:25-34)