good pleasures given
Harvey S. Mozolak

a casket on the dresser
small treasure trove
containing all that is left
when possessions are sold
the heart set in Christ
a candle beside it
lighting the wedding picture on the wall
of the banquet table
wood ladened
with bread and wine
veiling body
knife forking blood
a living knock at the door
company expected
but at an uncertain hour
fear flutters only in the window curtains
echoing the clatter of empty closet hangers
and dust-owned floors
as the house is emptied
for movement to the mansion
where servants at meal
sit with the master
unwrapping gifts stolen from death

Lectionary 19
Luke 12. 32-40