Imperfect trustee

A second hand kneeler

For Emily

My mouth twists in laughter

For Dorothy

The saint and the sinner

To both I could talk

One who worships the cardinal

And the other the hawk

My sisters in words

So different yet same

Both danced near their losses

Both fearless of flame

May I introduce you

Parker and Dickinson

I carry their burden

Their poisoned pen

I sit at their table

Dichotomy bound

But you know no one else

Will be buying this round

A second hand kneeler

But I have two knees

And give humble tribute

— Their unworthy trustee