Confessions from an Apiary
Church candles must contain at least 51%
(in maxima parte) beeswax, which is Pure,
being made by virgin worker bees.
– The Catholic Encyclopedia
If I light one for the Queen
of Heaven, maybe the confession box will drip
with the 49% of me that´s raw and unfiltered.
Domine, ne despicias me
Through the screen, he looks like a Kitchen God,
his red, paper body hung
above the flames of a thousand busy women.
Quamvis malus, quamvis indignus et peccator
There´s always forgiveness for honey in my hip
pocket, for fingers that rub it on his lips.
He´ll speak sweetly of me,
explain to the Jade Emperor
why I tumble
into any open flower
when warm days lift me over the threshold.
Illumina me et visita me
One night, I´ll burn his paper body like a votive,
catch smoke on my long tongue,
smear the box of matches with nectar.
