Blessing


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.

Subscribe to CE
(It's free)

Go to Catholic Exchange homepage

MENU