Ruin
       

I am given articles written
by former priests who
warn of repeating mistakes.

They fear debt and dust,
rusted nails, and knuckle
cuts that keep opening.

They don't mention the
cracked miracle of seeing
just how bad it can get,

as when my students
watch footage of sports
injuries, sockets spinning

on hairpin turns, the bodies'
glittering calcium always
failing in the same place.

Copyright © 2010 Donora Hillard All rights reserved
from Theology of the Body
Gold Wake Press
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission