Kindred Knaves Poem by Abraham de la Torre

There is a place
for a candle
for my mother's friends.

To light the rituals
of inductions, vigils, pilgrimages
offerings and first communions
of new finery:

Half-paid-for
half-prayed-for
the sewed-up
plaque of appreciation;

Chain-letter blessings
before the internet
better felt.

Sprawling generosity
of tabernacle drapery,
habit, cape and cloth
especially.

Aflicker
over a cheap cloth
on a glassless table
half-juice
half-water.

Don't bother!

Aflame
on tongues
that scatter
gossip about the matter
who prays
release from there.