Like a Golfer Shanking

Like a Golfer Shanking

(“May the Lord be with you, as he was with my father.” 1 Samuel 20:13b)

Noticing the way the wind came up so quickly and
watching how the clouds were gray bow ties coming in for the night
the only thought I had was how I could find some peace
from the friend of 30 years who because my house’s floor plan
was not exactly like his, moved me out of the neighborhood.

Watching the light seep in far too early in summer,
and noticing the little dog snuggled in the spot behind the bend in my knees,
the only scene I could watch was one more person who
received the invitation,
left the rsvp on the table,
and missed the party of a lifetime.

Christians, we are like my mother who only saw the pimples on my face,
and tried to pop them with the index fingers of both her hands! She wanted
a beautiful boy.

Noticing the way I watch the beautiful go by, turn my head,
follow their gait, and wish my suits fit so well, my arms so muscled,
and my nose less pointy. Noticing the way I glance at the blemished,
look back down at the pavement, miss eye contact completely,
like a golfer shanking his drive into the opposite fairway, and
wish I was more instinctive to

Befriend more the least of these, in whose eyes dwell
the Man so lovely, and the beatific Presence of the Lord.