I Never Wanted to Be Singled Out

I Never Wanted to Be Singled Out

(“And having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,” Hebrews 5:9)

I never wanted to be singled out,
put on a pedestal,
busily talked about. I never wanted
a plaque to hang on the wall.
I get by with paintings by my friends:
surrealistic dolphins, purple frozen lake scenes,
and a floral still life that rings with the artist’s voice.

I’ve never sought perfection,
though I’ve asked permission more often than I’d want.
I’ve just wanted to pass inspection,
though I stubbed my toe on the un-expectations that were
never explained to me.

I love you no matter what your spoken language,
I’ll meet with you if you’ll eat with me the simple fare
at the concession stand. I don’t like pretention,
I’d rather meet you in a t-shirt and jeans.
Can I buy you a drink? Tell me your favorite brew?
Can I impress you with answers now that you have finally
asked the one question I understand? Honesty demands
that I be able
to ask you questions too.

But I fear you’ll only approach me with your
contingent of well-tailored men. They won’t give me the
chance
to ask my question. They look for ways to
cut our session short. You know I feared your
questions, not out of dishonesty, but because of the
implications that plastic leather seats squeaked like
geese imitating truth.

Here it is, my address. Do not share it with anyone else.
Meet me at the back yard, in the sun, on the deck. And
let us talk of sweet tea while the grandkids play in the water.
Children’s laughter will warm the afternoon.