First, find the room
called by many names:
the prayer room
the reflection room
the meditation room—
that’s the one you want.
Next, read the sign
that says the rules:
No phone calls
No smoking
No sleeping—
you will anyway.
Then, drift to sleep
reviewing the facts:
Religion is dead.
No one worships.
The room is empty—
as it was all day.
Fourth, be startled
by the janitor:
he opens the door,
peaks inside,
and retreats—
to leave you alone.
Fifth, prepare to say
if anyone asks:
I’m not sleeping,
this is how I pray;
I have dreamed a dream—
that the room was full.
