Altar

by Nikki Ummel





We are both

mortar and pestle:

we grind our bones down

for creation,



bury our

dust deep, seeds

we water with mouths

full of yes.



We

breathe deep, roots

we grow with lips

of oh.



We make

ourselves anew,

wash each other’s bodies



in frankincense

and myrrh, adorn

each other’s arms

in bracelets of gold.



We spread palms

across the floor, and prepare

to embrace god

who comes when he is called.





back to University & College Poetry Prizes