Reliquary

Reliquary

Betsy Howard

Were you a Saint, I’d gather these beard trimmings
lacing our bathroom sink into a reliquary.
But even flushed down the drain today, they give
grace as they go--

Declaring that you left in a rush
to take our oldest to school
after making breakfast for us all and changing
sheets for guests who would arrive
weary and wet before you could return
for the sandwich you left behind.

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Betsy Howard
Poet

Painting by John Douglas Patrick - Dry Sink (circa 1890-1900)