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THREE PEWS FROM THE BACK

Sherrie Wise

 

Breathe.

 

I rub my hand over the grain.

Oh my, all the souls. All the souls, lost and found who

Have touched this pew, this friend, never angered.

All the souls in collapse, in love, in fear, denial—falling on.

Sitting down.

 

Breathe.

 

Weep and search your soul—

Smile

and look up.

Walk out, Walk on, Find your seat in this waiting

room,

this shoebox, this office of therapy,

Sanctuary of death, classroom of Life.

Hands patiently rest, take shelter behind me on my

pew,

and I wait, with sweaty palms, in dance,

Third row from the back,

Me and my angels take in the view.