My Rock

A cheery mid-morning sun shines
Through ornate stained glass,
Ignorant of the atmosphere within.

Incense smoke dances up,
Mingling with the rays, and evaporates,
Leaving nothing behind but a harsh aroma.

Bodies gather ‘round a box,
Phrases of “Ave Maria” echoing
In their ears.

A woman sits on a polished pew,
Her face pulled back in a vacant grimace.
Her eyes glisten, yet no tears come.

Better than 50 years
of sororal bonds, weathered but strong,
Snapped suddenly by fate.

I must show strength
For her
Just as she has for me.

Since the day I was born,
She’s been a rock,
An immovable countenance.

Now I can’t bear to see her face
Lest both of us unravel.
For now, I look away—
A tear gleaming on my cheek

link 1, link 2