Very near

Why do these gods
Speak an unknown language
That only the priest knows
Seem so fond of rituals
Full of fire and smoke
Ringing of bell
Circling of flame
Rapid-fire instructions
In one tongue
Chants in the other
Intervening for the dead soul
Now gone for three years
But still missed, cried over ---
Smiling from the photo
Decked with home-strung flowers
Offered his favourite dish
Father still seems very near