On a piece of waste ground
beside St Joseph’s Church
rough sleepers are roasting a pig,
bought with alms or stolen. Who knows?
They listen, heads bowed,
to the sound of fat falling into fire,
to the growling of their dogs,
to the church bell tolling
and the liturgy rolling across centuries.
Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy.
Relish your portion of roast meat
flavoured with incense
and the piety that flows from church doors.
Yes, the faithful have finished worship
and are leaving in peace to serve the Lord,
with tongues of fire above their heads
and handfuls of change to give away
to every poor soul who can face their holy heat.
sambee401 