May 19–25 ❘ Brother Parley
Brother Parley
Brash, fearless, heedless, like Peter of old,
shaker of coattails against Shakers,
runner from would-be jailers
and flummoxed bulldogs—
you say what I wish I had courage to say
if I weren’t always judging
the weight of bold testimony
against politeness and etiquette.
Perhaps you are the kind of preacher
who unleashes the good word
like a firehose on a house aflame.
Perhaps I am the kind who looses
feathered words and never knows
where they fly or how they land.
Neither of us has time to lollygag.
You roar me to repentance, and then
as guileless as a newborn lamb
invite me, if I’m so inclined,
to join you in a foot race.
Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry
Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com
