Three Poems of Morning Theology

The Knock

The Herald tries again, with fewer titles. The monk responds again, “We don’t know him.” And the Herald tries a third time. This time using the forename of the emperor, describing him as "a mortal, sinful human being [who] requests permission to enter.” At which point the door is opened and the Capuchin monks exclaim, "So they may enter." “A mortal, sinful human being.” - part three of the Habsburg Knocking Ritual At the door of the ordinary day I pause - knuckles raised, breath held.

When the Wind Remembers