Faith

Eyes like faded gaslights
dim; arms ache, bones
abrase like frictional matches that
ignite arthritic infernos, fuel
carpal tunnel retribution;
such moments found
Faith an attractive alternative to
life’s snowdrift melting into
nothingness, death.

Faith endured like a gospel choir,
intoning words of praise rising above
life celebrated, mortality honored
a stately chorale wherever she walked, her  
words rigidly whispered solidarity’s song,
mint tea fresh and Lolita like, Faith
lip-locked all youthful rites of passage
as if hers were the first.