Bless us and whatever it is that comes with us,
whatever it is that steps out of the door with us,
whatever it is that imbues significance to the train
that comes on time, a dress that feels looser.
Bless us and keep us safe, whatever it is that sits with us
in the waiting shed, whatever it is that holds our hand
when the X-ray print clicks into place.
Stay with us, whatever it is that helps us
find meaning in this,
this
loose leaf tea
expensive sea, soft
music that keeps us here
dear
that shields us from accepting
our bodies’ futility, the vastness of everything
outside of ourselves.
Bless this, whatever it is that lets us
focus on this, this little thing
that dies with memory,
this tiny joy.
The Cabinet 