On Second West In Cedar City, Utah: Canticle for the Virgin

Ave Maria, plena gratia! 

One street west, in the ward chapel, 
I reinforce with paper thimble 
of water and shard of bread 
my bond to God: 
precarious grace, when 
thewed will stranded on bones 
must vault the horns 
of His justice and mercy 
to turn redemption’s temporal trick. 

I would not go this street to prayer, 
yet passing in a cold morning 
I make prayer here: 
praise for plastic flowers 
writhen beneath your feet 
and fading in suppliant hands 
under your alabastrine gaze, 
for which also praise 
and praise for this small lapse 

in the disquietude of God.