Phillipe Halsman, “Maguerite Piazza 1953”

Patricia Deaton
THE SIGNER PRAYS
after “Maguerite Piazza 1953” by Phillipe Halsman

Fingertips touch lips,
then hands lift out and up,
eyes follow skyward. Open
palm circles over heart, offering
up thanks in a wordless tongue,
silent as flowers blooming. Fingers

asking forgiveness, mark away sin
on palm’s lifeline. Spirit-filled
supplication returns a soundless
song of mercy while motions of praise
take flight, released like white doves
from the soul to God, who hears.

Photograph of Patricia Deaton provided by Roger and Ginny Sanford