ever the student of Augustine—“chaste
Lord, but just not yet”—Micah eyes the red
Gideon Bible closed on the nightstand.
remembers the words read before dialing—
disciples unable to watch and pray,
falls into temptation. lace panties lie
at the bathroom door. the shower’s running.
her name’s lost to him like steam, fire smoke
in a garden, the thurible’s incense
he’ll swing in morning mass. the shower stops.
the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.
he puts his bones back on, finds his wallet,
leaves her wages atop the worn leather.
