benediction

under the crickets and orange night
my shadow stretches long and wide
feeling glad and full
the skies open up deep
rain on my footsteps
finding my way in places


prayers drift out after me
somber alleluias

quiet amens
and i close my door
shedding piety to become human again

go in peace
to love and serve
the God who is ribcage cracking
the communion of blood and saints
the virility of Christ
now stretching into always


to love the One
who breathes through spaces too big
who fills night
with light and darkness just the same
my body
my blood