Acts of Devotion

Acts of Devotion are.. .
water poured out over sacred alters
oil dripping off the foreheads of the anointed
flickering of the candles by icons
swirls of the smoke from incense
blood trickling off the hands of the cursed
darkness in the hearts of the cursing
calloused hands folded in prayer, meditation, and daily work
fingers on triggers with eyes focused on moving targets
slaves wading through the rivers, to reach the other side
expectant, fearful couples preparing their homes for the blessings of new life
children at the bedsides of their ailing parents faithfully awaiting a life beyond
students in the classroom, pens tapping, brains turning over and over
students on the streets, fists pumping, hearts blazing, higher and higher
flags at half mast
bells are ringing
bombs are falling
marching hand in hand
we shall overcome
the bottom of bottles
the street corners
the tops of towers
the dollar
the cross
the sword
the heavens
the earth