Prayer Chain by Tim Nolan

My mother called to tell me

about an old classmate of mine

who was dying on the parish prayer chain—

or was very sick—or destitute—

or it had not worked out—the marriage—

or the kids were all on drugs—and

all the old mothers were praying intensely

for all the pain of their children

and for life—they were praying for life—

in their quiet rooms—sipping decaf coffee—

I bet they've been praying for me at times—

so I'll find my way—so I won't rob a bank—

I'll take them—the mystical prayers of old mothers—

it matters—all this patient and purposeful love.