As we head toward November it feels appropriate to stop and think of beloved dead. As Catholics, we believe that our prayers for the dead are (or can be at least) efficacious. To that end, I offer this poem, written in response to Dante’s Purgatorio, Canto 6 and first appearing in my poetry collection, The Love that Moves the Sun and Other Stars.
“Prayers for the Dead”
Purgatorio Canto 6
Can the prayers of those on earth still help The souls of those who have gone on before, The dead who flounder now just like a welp, Helpless and hopeless until their Mother who bore Them descends and lifts them up with care? Perhaps this is the opening of the door, Perhaps our Mother Church will fill the air With cries for her children who did at least repent And so these cries ascend to God as prayer Calling on the One whom Heaven sent.