We went into his huge cathedral
darkly lit
quiet like the breath of God
Rina was full of Joy
Ella was full of proud knowing
Bernie felt fully confirmed
and I
looking out the altar window
saw Aushvitz in the backyard
So I said to Bernie
"I think we walked into a façade
a mere scenic design
this is but another entrance to hell"
Bernie looked at Ella
and Ella looked at Rina
and they all gave me
mother and fathering looks
so I walked backwards
out the door
from whence we came
Years later when I met
them
they wore shawls round
their heads