such beauty,
surrounded by glory
all the golden saints
watching
this ritual in another
language
ornate brocade
wrapping bodies
her absence
moving through time
his wife has died -
is he aware of it?
hands curled upon his chest.
sleeping? reflecting?
longing?
finding refuge
in the rhythm of song and
gesture
crossing
there are many
embraces here -
the incense and the water
candles and icons
made uncomfortable
by presence
the dance of pomp
and circumstance
who are these prayers for?
the departed?
those left behind?
so strange, the body
so waxen
the singers drown out
the bells
the lists of names –
saints, family –
not alone, not abandoned,
finally
home.
