put the good word in

an unpraying person,
she still puts
her hands
together and sends up something
like a wish,
as if a penny
tossed into a well.
maybe your God
will hear me, she says,
always referring to God
as your God.
as if he's a personal
savior of yours.
ring the bell and he appears.
put the good word in
for me, she'll ask, when
down
and out, but not quite
far enough down
to be on her knees.
I've been good lately,
don't you think?
maybe with your help,
he'll hear me.