Death ends a life
Not a relationship – Mitch Albom

Sometimes
although I no longer
exclaim Our Father
a prayer whispers itself
asks my eyes to listen to secrets
from feminine stars exhaling light
like on biblical eve above Gethsemane

Sometimes
although I’m named faithless by Rome
excommunicated for thirty years or more
silenced truth resurrects in my heart
I taste excavated communion bread
hear Mother’s soothing forgiveness words
feel my young lips gladly mouth
penance prayers for my sins

Sometimes
although I fear extinction
when train of my days
rolls out its last exodus
think I smell Unction Oil
in incense-fogged sanctuary

Tonight
dreaming takes me
She strolls proudly from altar
to rail to my dying kneeling self
gargoyle guilt dissolves
fears exorcize themselves
Mother gently anoints my forehead
with warm holy salve
blesses, kisses my hands
welcomes me home

Mother- St. Mother Teresa
*Last Rites in Catholicism – Sacrament given before death

Marianne Lyon has been a music teacher for 43 years. Nominated for the Pushcart Award 2016. She has spent time teaching in Nicaragua. She is a member of the California Writers Club, Solstice Writers in St. Helena California. She is an Adjunct Professor at Touro University Vallejo California. She was awarded the Napa Country Poet Laureate 2021 title