Pilgrimage: Churches

the hearse in front of the church
awaits it's passenger
for the last short ride
no one on the street seems to notice
or care
there are more funerals than christenings
more funerals than weddings
only the dead are faithful
these days

Pilgrimage: Mid-June: Trappists

this alley silent
in the late afternoon
bricks warm as cognac
sipped slowly in the piazza
leads to mystery
and Belgian beer
cold on tap and clear

Pilgrimage: Knowledge & Beauty Week #23

Many ways to prepare:
with study, applying 
blush to the cheekbones 
& heart. Knowledge 
advises that there are 
the cameras we see 
aimed at us &
those that we don't.
We are the recipients 
of any & all attention.
It isn't always easy
to learn. But the light
will find a way in.

Pilgrimage: End of Spring: Finals

studying for finals
notebook only partially deciphered
while the coffee mug steams on the table
this is an exercise in hope
turning toward tomorrow
and the remote possibility that
the sun will rise

Pilgrimage: Some Week: Speed

the red Ducati built for speed
sits in the bright sun
only needs a girl in a sundress
and shades to scream
perfection

Pilgrim and Roof: #22

Above our immediate gaze
the second story windows narrow
like startled eyes painted blue
painted white. No fright in climbing
the stairs if even slowly. 
No apology in simply resting.

Pilgrimage

he grows tired of waking
he sleeps more hours of the Day
he gives in
he does not fight
he thinks only of closing his eyes
he struggles up the stairs
he struggles to bend over
he used the word
disability
for
the first
time