Palatial Communions

Tinsel-streaked hair of the man in God’s gown

Catching the glow of the cathedral lights

Heaven’s star in body form

A present sent from above

Stories stained in glass

Rising from the pew a tree line of immaculate details

Cranberry-coloured dresses

Buttoned sleeves and gleaming leather

Caroling songs on the organ’s last breath

With the body of Christ on our tongue

The birth of spirit for another month

Oh, Virgin Mary

Hold us tightly

Promise us no cane from the hand of mankind