The Confirmation Ceremony

Ancient mildew conceals itself
on whitewashed holy walls
as members sit stone-blind and 

Kiss the feet of a Jesus
turned to stone to prevent
his protesting their idols

The wax on the priest's
Adam's apple will burn
as he leans over the incense

Inhale, Exhale, Holy Incense

The gun used by Pharisees, Sadducees, 
and succeeding Sadists
to shoot down their heretics
has become a loose canon

Smoke comes from three things:

the smoking incense

the smoking gun

and the smoking baby who goes out
and smokes a cigarette among friends
after his conformation ceremony

                                           ~Julie Harwood