The Forgiveness Party by Stacey Balkun

Welcome to the May Day party, the hello parade. Welcome to our quiet space, our glass paintings of Christ breaking. Here we present a box of matches and light candles for loved ones lost. In springtime we think only of the dead, plant seeds in shallow graves. Daffodils trumpet good morning but wilt away by noon. Lord, it’s hard to say our hellos and goodbyes in one breath. Lord, it’s hard to stand and kneel and eat breadcrumbs and be reborn. Matches flare like small kernels of hope and victory. Welcome to the fire dance, cremation of palm leaves and silence. Welcome to the forgiveness party, the farewell parade. Take home an egg and wait for your fortune to hatch. Learn to pray. Lord, hear our prayers. Lord, we hope only to be the last candle left burning.

Stacey is a New Jersey poet with her heart in the south. She likes to climb mountains and splash in the sea. She is currently crossing the country with her trusty kayak.