9. Polytheistic Litany

A canticle for Liebowitz,

a psalm for Father Baker,

a hymn for Billy Graham’s son

before we meet our maker.

                                          A parashah for Cantor Green,

                                          a na’at for dead Bin Laden

                                          a sutra for apocalypse

                                          as we raze Ryōan-ji’s garden.

                                                                                       We sing our trite religious songs

                                                                                       and seek our gods’ instruction,

                                                                                       we kneel and ask forgiveness

                                                                                       and await our mass destruction.