Sadness runs deep, rises like flood water
to quench the Forest fire. Roof beams torched
to falling ash. Like grace notes, statues, rose windows
deny conflagration. Arches hold. Vigil candles
flame steady, soft – ceremony spills over stone.
“Salve Regina” rises from the blackened ground
to a burning sky – watchers chant, old notes
Of faith, hope, love hovering over the square,
as we have sung to rest our sighs and mourning
outside the White House iron railings.