FROM THE PRESBYTERY.

No rent on the god-house
though a bit ripped
when the tide turns.
The priest had to confess
his booth
was a hothouse for wankers
and oh dears.
She said
she'd see his Hail Mary
and raise him three carnal sins
for his indulgence.
                                He accepted
the early retirement package
without the shares.
                                Holy Orders
require sanctified compliance –
say do say do say do
down the hierarchy to our hero
the common man,
                     who goes into
a room in the stone wall: the door
closes. Neither he nor his linen is seen
                               In another zone
Mendl of Kotsk steps from his dark
study into the Shabbat-candled glow
expectant faces and says
                               no blessing
                               no promise
his silent Kaddish echoing
still