Breda Wall Ryan: Meditation

You don't need to believe in a god to pray,
you don't need faith in a creed,

or a blue-robed virgin to intercede,

or a saint as intermediary to plead your case.

Anyone can light a candle in the gloom,

sit in a quiet place and contemplate the flame,

a flicker strives for height, blackens the wick.

Wax heats and drools, smoke curls upwards.

You don't need words.

Send your longing out into the world and wait

for the emptiness inside to be filled.

All you need do is breathe.

That too is prayer.