I am including this poem in honor of the Jubilee Year of the Priest 2009. 

         The Word’s Altar

I go to set an altar without man,
  With my back turned to many who I am,
A thought away from God … my will must ban.
  This trickle of stones is an empty stream,
Being drawn to water as no men deem.
  Flowers around Thee from the flute of Pan,
With flowers before Thee as Heaven’s gleam,
  Reflect wondrous need for the soul of lamb
Following yet the warmth of Thine own dam –
  Substantial God in faith’s bread, Thou art Man!

With communion I turn to see Thee live
  In other souls whom their lives to Thee give.
Of Mary’s tears … her tears are as pain stored,
  The wine from her Son’s bleeding hands ignored.