The groundskeeper �
A cigarette dangling
From his mouth,
Belly falling
Over dirty jeans �
Pushes past
The statues,
Saints keeping watch.
In the shadow
Of the crucifix
A motion of hands,
The sign of the cross
Made with five touches,
Then back
To the mower�s handle.
Passing Saint Francis�
Outreached hands,
A quick touch
To the stone palm,
Worn with the oil
Of sinners.
A muttered prayer; ashes fall to the ground.
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Post Office Box 158
Portsmouth, VA 23705-0158