chewing the pew

teeth on the pew

varathane in my mouth

the priest moves his mouth

but his words blur into background sound, hum of a fridge

if mum asks me about the homily

i’m in for it

and no Sunday Donut

i stand

because everyone stands

bow my head in pretend prayer

exit us

gold trim

high ceilings

priceless paintings and artefacts

beautiful

repulsive

after communion we walk

past our pew

exit man’s church

enter god’s