Mirrored prayers
turned into yellow dots—
grinning emojis
on digital messages
typed during the start
of Sunday service.
The vicar sermonized
about gun violence
and his words
turned into black dots
that struck
the hearts and minds
of the parishioners
then became holes
you could see though.
By the time
of the benediction
no one remained
except for a child
on his hands and knees
playing Candy Crush
with his smart phone
silenced.
copyright © 2023 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 