Lining up at the trough

Ritual begins another week anew

Consume, always on bended knee

Familiar organ strains lead the call to normalcy, to dependence, to solace

Guiding hands lead to the coffers, flowing robes point to salvation

Ritual begins another life anew

Anoint and teach the ways of the shepherded

Solemn statues, granite forms of faith mark the holes where we've left our pasts

A ritual of ashes and dust to encompass the final stage

One door slams shut, a window cracks, fracturing the view, a blinding prism

A bitter pill placed on dry tongues, no saliva to swallow, no will to ingest

Another fable to comfort the weary, another myth for those left behind

A perfect diamond placed out of reach, carrots dangled to follow the path

On knee and palm to earn rewards, on long-vowed words the faith is lain

Storm winds blow, we search for safe harbor

Hail begins to fall, run for shelter

Hunger gnaws, yearn for banquet

The pain comes, reach for a hand