Last

In the religion of my dad
one story
is that a temple lamp lasts

not forever but just a little
longer than could reasonably
be asked

I watch him cover his head
with his hand
try to dredge up the words

from his school-prize siddur
I feel the irony of him
giving ritual thanks

for this efficient miracle
this humble light
giving more than it has

far longer
than even the faithful
have any right to demand