The Crosses

by Gloria Mindock


We have broken crosses
in our drawer.
Why are they still here?

It is a sin to throw out the symbol
of Christ.
We would fall from grace.
The sacraments received on Sunday
would be for nothing.

So here they are, buried by papers,
screws, ink pens, pennies, a few rubber bands—
How sad. Christ defending himself
from junk.
Where is his heart?

Take the crosses out.
Let him breathe.
Put the pieces in every room
out in the open, each one
giving testimony to your life.


* * * * *

"The Crosses" is from Gloria Mindock's poetry collection Ash forthcoming from Glass Lyre Press.

Gloria Mindock is editor of Cervena Barva Press. Her sixth collection of poetry called Ash is forthcoming from Glass Lyre Press. Gloria has been translated and published into eight languages. She was poet laureate in Somerville, MA in 2017 and 2018.