Once I Saw that You Used a
Five-day Underarm Deodorant
which has Now Created
a Fragrant Rosary
I dreamed of you and was fulfilled, was filled
With sadness— but fulfilled. I woke. The dream
Was gone, but all the morning hours were stilled
In quietude of blessing like a beam
From heaven interpenetrated time.
When afternoon appeared, I breathed with throat
At ease the air you cleansed, your face a chime
Which sweetenEd reminiscenses afloat
Because the night-time vision left its scent.
The evening came and with it came a pain
Not quite a pain, a pain more like a rent
In silk that has refused to take a stain.
Then night returned and with it came the need
To tell a prayer with your name on each bead.