Prayer

We were taught to pray
word by word
careful and polite.

But eventually the words
will fail
fall silent

and what is left

the shape
of a cherry blossom
in snow

fireworks in sunlight
on cold crystalized
drifts

purring
and the warm weight
in your lap

the burning No
at injustice,
harm, and hate

the sweet warmth
of the first drops
of spring rain