Sacred words –

tense, this, the allocation of our Lord, he

who would hold us up in fire and brimstone

there to mold our character – to set us free

from fear we who can survive on faith alone

waiting, waiting – there is a structure in your mind

that skids across the ice, lightly, winding around

our heads – Our hope for rapture blind

to you – who come here within a certain sound

enclosure of spirit, a groveling at your feet

while we give alms -- break bread --

we will be ready when you come, thief

in the night standing by our bed

to whisper, head held low,

“If it was not, I would not tell you so.” --