When Sacrilege is Needed

one of my more contemporary-feeling works for sure

You wake 

Tongue locked
around marrow hymn. 

There’s no stained glass
in your throat 

You call out. Only, 
the spirit passes over 

The speech-wound 
keeps burning

The coal rests white 
on your lips. 

It’s either you or 
the steel 

Trap: closing 
on scalp

Your forehead splits
for the scalpel 

O– 
Holy of Holies

Is there vinegar
behind your teeth?

Has your tongue tasted preservation? 
Have you tasted salvation? 

It is fixed.
“Come and see.” 

They have you neither living 
nor dying. 

Blessed are you.