Joe's Questions, Nancy Hynes, O.S.B.

Five sisters mourning their first to die
Four touch, lean into, comfort
Each other.

One huddled, wrapped in self,
Staring into space

“Joe, why is she alone?”

“You know that better than I do.
In community,
Isn’t there one who always walks alone?”

      _____________

Deep-set eyes
Seeing that which is unseen
Fingers marking two places
in the Word.

“Who’s to know
If she’s praying
Or thinking how to make
The sauce for the goose at supper?”