The go-between

do you know how to pray? she asked, startling me into yes

notion from childhood to start with thank you, end with please.

she may have been referring to a more formal system, surefire and specifics,

but we didn’t get into that. it was awkward.

my faith is incidental and hers outrageous, like saints in those stories about saints.

we are a poor match, but she tells me she will pray for me,  

and i say thank you. please.