For all the alleluias
that fall into the empty grave
before the earth is cast down;
alleluias that burst
like a disappointed balloon
upon the tongue;
alleluias that took a wrong turn
and never came home;
for all of the alleluias
that become ululations
for the still dead
and dying;
alleluias gasping;
alleluias splitting the air
like a protest,
like a chant;
alleluias whispering
over the grave
and troubled earth.
Alleluia Cover, H.N.Werkman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
