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