Hymn

In tribute to Leonard Cohen

I sang the syllables

but I didn't really

understand

I've never been in love

or broken by it

I haven't been in the world

long enough to

know a heart

the ways it aches

and breaks

The radio buzzes with static

cracks with electric heat

The laundry feels rough on the skin

of my hands

flaking and dry

A familiar song

sits in the grass by my side

sinks into my bone marrow

floats in my mouth

My lips open and

beautiful sounds

fall out

Hallelujah.