A Curse From God

"Father! Father,"
entreated the pie faced boy,
"I stretch I stretch
my hands to thee."


Father looked down
upon the wormlike limbs
that rotted with gangrene
and he shook his head and
stuck out his tongue.

"Haw! Haw! Haw! Thou suffer, because
thine mouth knew and suckled men
in their secret places.
Did you not hear your preacher?"


"Oh Father," Pie Face answered, "I heard through grape vines
tea leaves, and bellicose
microphones all of your Ministers.
But when night closed off the day
like an executioner's black curtain,
Your minister's mouths sought mine.
Even you, Father,
put your mitre aside for me."

Father answered, "well lad
someone must pay the price
for my pleasure. You are
the chosen one. But I will
give you a prayer to offer me daily:


Lord. Lord. Fill this hollow bowl
that is my belly with blood
So that I might have
an offering of thanks
for your mercy and grace
when I get to heaven.
Amen.