My New Career as a Doorman

By Lawrence “Mack in Texas” Hall

“The Doors! The Doors! In wisdom let us attend!” – the Orthodox liturgy, just before the Nicene Creed

I used to light a candle for you before Mass
With a prayer that ascended to Heaven
For as long as the candle remained lit
Even after everyone departed, deep into the night

Now I open the door for you before Mass
Even though you’re not here, so does that count?
With age I am clumsy in so many things
But I can open the door and say hello

And every candle I ever lit for you
Still shines