the unnamed

I take a slightly
different path, this night

and I light candles
for my children
and my parents
beloved

taking up words
of strange, far away poets

and the same stars greet me here
which greet me on the shore
near my home

and that thing
that ineffable thing
as I am kneeling, listening
tells me to let go, enjoy the ride

and I walk a little further
to the chapel, where I am always alone
this late at night

but not tonight
and that thing nudges me again

you needn't be alone
to find me
it says

and as I leave, I see, again
the tiny frog above the bowl by the doors
blessing all the cosmos
most enthusiastically

Convent, Louisiana
2017