by Pavel Chichikov
I bless myself in broad daylight
A crazy man who signs the cross
Across his chest, as others might
Mutter or gesticulate –
Or as the paddlers of canoes
Stroke left and right to keep them true
Forehead touch to forestall pride
Chest to keep the heart inside
Arm sinister against the lewd
Dexter side against the shrewd
As druids must obsessively
Have touched the acorn and the tree
I touch a self that I have named
Accused unwisely then unshamed
My own cross that I hang upon
Left and right and up and down
But frequently I bless the joy
Forgetfulness might still destroy
Visit Pavel's website at Grey Owl Press.