samuel wills himself to believe

the words he preaches 

his congregants will themselves to believe the man is whole 

it is plain that he is not    

his voice too tired

to raise itself to the rafters he himself raised

he recites scripture   the choir sings hymns

it is not enough   

the church has become an abode for the dispirited

after the final amen   

after the pews empty 

he raises his eyes far beyond the rafters 

~ 

outside   zoey waits   

together   arm in arm   they walk the lane home   

within the sanctity of four walls she draws him to her    

pressing the trinity of her body against him

~

miracle of miracles