Liturgical music

The church is a business
Robert Creeley: After Lorca
Once was the rattle of coin, the ringing
of the cash register, given a more noble 
form when celebrated in song. Clang,
clang, clang went the trolley, ding, ding,
ding went the bell, sang Judy Garland
when she was met in St. Louis, but her
text holds none of the mystery that is
supposed to be imbued within it. The
Second Vatican Ecumenical Council
had plenty to say about that, 69 clauses 
intended to cover every aspect — how 
it's important to look & sound your 
best, especially if the service is  going 
out on TV; what part the various 
parts of the organization should play, 
what to do if the attendant musicians 
lack the desired skills necessary to play
well, & if they do, what celebrations
shouldn't they be permitted to play at.
Masses for the dead are one of the pro-
scribed events, which is possibly why
Creeley also notes that the mourners go 
doucement, doucement to the cemetery.