Dawn

Flame burning 
On the carved altar
Bringing light
To darkness
Eyes closed
Head turned
To the wall
Prostrate
Under the image
Waiting
Under the glare
Of your idolatry
Expecting the blow
Or the blessing
Voice echoes
Long after the sun 
Until its final sounds fade
Fighting darkness
To stay and listen
When before I’ve always run
Scripture binds the room
In silence
Until it begins again
With a new dawn