Bless the black mold growing unchecked across the bathroom 
       ceilings and the permanent stench of dog-pissed carpet. 
   Bless the duct tape webbing the windows, the insect carcasses

left in the sills, and bless the drapes condemned by moths,
       crucified on aluminum rods. Bless the sofa’s cigarette burns, 
   the unclean countertops crawling with ants, the breadcrumbs 

feeding the roaches underneath the toaster. Bless the photographs 
       of obedient frowns. Bless the dust on their beaten frames.
   Bless the bibles and other examples of bad fiction best ignored. 

Bless the blaring gospel hour and the telephone receiver left off the
       hook. Bless this celebration of shame. Bless this rapturous running sore 
   and its captured minds cowering inside. O bless their hearts. Amen.