Fine Flu Journal Fine Flu Journal- june 2014 | Page 8

SHARPSHOOTERS

Between classes Jesus and I had a secret margarita,
talked about which period of Neil Diamond’s was better—
his Bang or Uni recordings? In a required class, Christ & His Kingdom,
I didn’t get kingdoms. Jesus told me he didn’t rule any kingdoms,
but I’d lose points if I put that on the test. My professor said
Christ was in society and above society. Why not?
He was everywhere which must be exhausting.
I had trouble getting to class on time.

Chapel. Ten o’clock. The president said that hell for him
would be having to have intercourse all the time.
As Paul Simon sang, one man’s ceiling is another man’s floor.
Intercourse. What a charming word, like “covered bridge” or “doily.”
I knew nothing about that, only knew I wanted
to escape chapel—and I did—
until the sharpshooters nailed me: kids who stood overhead
taking attendance. One more slip & I’d be out.
I wasn’t out.
Not yet.
I had to get free of sharpshooters, get free,
learn intercourse’s multiple meanings.

Jesus waved goodbye on graduation day.
We lost touch. Still, whenever I have a margarita
I think of him and offer up a toast.
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