Wayside Pulpit

Becoming Catholic

I will join
at your table
because God has called
me to supper with injustice, patriarchy, and misogyny,
all the while being fed
the food of love.

So, anoint me to initiate me,
join us together--
put yourself between my lips
hear my voice whisper in your ear
and feel our consummation.

Your own oil moves
me deeply inside
your body surrenders to mine
and I am surrounded
with all that is you.

And in our joining
the change confirmed
will alter the table
and we will never
taste the same again.

Final Fingerprint

last breath -
comes
and
goes
uniquely.

The Deal

The cat hovers on the back of my chair
wanting food.
I ignore the deep purrs--
the swish of tail
the saucer eyes.

"I just can't move from this place
sweet feline.
I so want to
but these words,
of my black on white world
have bound me
here."

The cat jumps to desk
rifling through
pens, papers, and yesterday's tea.
He is an oversized duster
undoing what I've done.

"The distraction won't work!"

Human hands to furry body to hardwood floor.

"Kitty dear, an ancient set of emotions
combs through me
and I have lost
the words
right when I need them the most.

I'll tell you what,
if you can find them
I will give you food."

The cat slips
through the open door.