the holy hour

i kneel and wait in silence

as one by one the people slip away

into the night

the quiet and empty bodies

kiss the ground before they pray

kiss the ground

and slip away

i sit and listen dreamlessly

a promise of salvation makes me stay

then look at your face

and feel my heart pushed in

as all around the children play

the games they tired of yesterday

they play

they play

i stand and hear my voice

cry out

a wordless scream at ancient power

it breaks against stone

i softly leave you crying

i cannot hold what you devour

the sacrifice of penance

in the holy hour