THE PRICE OF A MIRACLE

What transforms a tree 

to a spot of pilgrimage,

or a tomb into a cathedral

A stone a point of circumlocution

and a sacrifice a synagogue,

a footprint claimed by many faiths

A miracle probably

And then begins the sale

the hype and the hoopla

the fervent adoration

the gilded restoration

the thronging of masses

beads, chains, sacred ash

candles, statues, holy water

trinkets, caps and mini altars

Faith blindsided by economics

found in sanctified plastic 

Hope measured in coin

Tailored fashionable consecrated cloth

Everlasting life carefully glazed 

into icons embedded in ceramic

Heaven made affordable

for the price of a miracle