by Pavel Chichikov
What are all the helpful, social things that must be done?
I can't do them. I'm Christopher at the river –
Eating well and loving sleep – lazy, selfish
A human clam with eyes set in around a rim of a stone
My baptismal name is Christopher – the useless saint
Who could not fast, or sit or pray as well as sparrows do –
O Christ, Baby, Child, Mary's Son, Lord
You have gripped my shoulders – I can feel the weight
If I had known that you were Christ I would have caviled,
Made excuses, asked for centuries to reconsider,
Once shrugged you downward at the river's edge –
But you returned and we are reconciled
I carry you as far as I can bear the heaviness
Of your beloved, commanding neediness,
But then the river lowers or the shore comes near
And though I think myself the burden I have been the tare
Visit Pavel's website at Grey Owl Press.
