The tall monk
with Parkinson's
stood giving communion
to those who lined up
during Mass.
His hand shook
as he placed the host
on the tongue.
I held open my palms
and he placed
the host there.
The Christ,
the body,
the sacrifice.
After he had provided all
he walked back slowly
to his place at the altar
and continued the service,
two other monks
with him.
I knelt in a pew;
the tongue absorbing
the bread, the host,
the Christ.
The incense hung
on the air;
the smell so familiar.
Closing my eyes
I uttered a prayer
and waited listening
to the chanting
going on there.
Feb 17, 2018
Feb 17, 2018 at 4:15 AM UTC
The tall monk
with Parkinson's
stood giving communion
to those who lined up
during Mass.
His hand shook
as he placed the host
on the tongue.
I held open my palms
and he placed
the host there.
The Christ,
the body,
the sacrifice.
After he had provided all
he walked back slowly
to his place at the altar
and continued the service,
two other monks
with him.
I knelt in a pew;
the tongue absorbing
the bread, the host,
the Christ.
The incense hung
on the air;
the smell so familiar.
Closing my eyes
I uttered a prayer
and waited listening
to the chanting
going on there.
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