The clinic hardly ever called the cops

The church never did as it stood

above the measured doses

of free penicillin and Quell

above those eternally seeking salvation

in the all-night rap rooms

soaking abscesses in patience in stupor

confusion and hot water

up against the church

between the gray

walls and the low branches

you had to crawl

like a penitent over the roots

ducking beneath the leaves

to get to the sanctuary

empty spray cans and garbage