TO GIACOMELLI Poem by Jude Stéfan

at Lourdes, as in a madhouse, in abattoirs
the miraculables line up in dormitories
to cure the filthy disease Life
the standing miraculated for them pray
a dubious god born in their neurons
everywhere swarm men in murder-
black and mourning lamentable procession
through this pitiful charnel-house where
passes a clean-shaven cripple in his pushchair
pulled by a temporarily reprieved biped
heads down they await the All-Highest
each to choose his own unique rags
for a miracle that would defy art
heavy is the pain, light the candles!