***

I am the word of God.
My spine was first creased at baby Grace’s
Christening,
When all I could see were the deep canyons
Of the priest’s cheeks
Warmed by the heat of many candles
And smiling eyes.

I saw her marriage renewal, the day the crisp
Irish rain made my body weak,
But their hands clasped tight in a labyrinth
Of unity
I hoped it would one day save them

I embraced the thick leather of a suitcase
Many years too used
The mismatched socks and I held tight
As the waves tried to jostle us free
But I, I am the word
Of God
I will not be moved or
Redefined

The air felt too close one night
The dark too dark
The air too clear
My heartbeat too fierce

And my pages, my pages open
An unfamiliar hand follows the words of
Hallowed be Thy Name
And if I could hold them back I would,
My people, I would cradle
You

But I can only beg of you
To keep your faith
No matter how much it may
Sting

Keep your faith and I’ll hold you fast and
strong