CHURCHES

by Joanna Gilman Hyde

The Hawk West Desk Window 2:45pm

I used to go to churches

and found them hollow places

Who there would hear of My Unstoppable

Shower Of Lights?

Who there could understand The Depths

of My Enclosed Depression?

–

I used to go to churches

looking for companionship

in the rawness of being broken open

like the delicate egg

I was trying to carry

–

I used to go to churches

when I wanted to die instead —

where no Minister could make Me

whole

and no friend could balance Me

–

I used to go to churches

and now I am Home

years beyond the fragility

in the compatibility

of My Marriage

where My House is

My Church