Holy Smoke

When Words Are Not Enough
I kindle my fire
ignite my coals 
and watch the sparks fly heavenwards


I pile the pebbles of frankincense
overlaid with grains of myrrh

The first puff
spirals up and out
I inhale
exhale


My prayer sits before me
praying with me
praying for me
praying through me


The smoke has its own vocabulary
the scent its own grammar


Together we pray

Fragrant Prayer

Rivers of smoke wafting heavenwards

more than bear my prayer in visible form;

are prayer, my prayer, prayer for me.

When I cannot, know not, what or how to pray

holy scents cross from earth to heaven.

Clearing, calming, soothing,

fragrant prayer.