In my hometown, our church--
we were a Catholic family, so we went to St. Anthony's church.
And I wrote a little poem inspired by that church.
"St. Anthony's Church."
"Instead of a large oak door, a loom.
Instead of mosaic windows, wedges of fruit.
Instead of a poor box, a loaf of bread.
Instead of holy water, gin.
Instead of pews, beds.
Instead of hymns, gossip.
Instead of the stations of the cross,
instructions on how to build a kite out of canvas, sticks.
Instead of an altar, a butcher's table.
Instead of the nailed palms of Christ,
my father's warm hand on my shoulder."