Chosen
In Fargo, North Dakota no one
measured the length of my life
by the line of the world’s grievances.
I spelt Christ into the corners of my day.
Drifted in snow fields, slid on ice
slept in my mother’s cramped apartment
amidst the resurrection song all sinners
come to with a chastened tongue.
Fifteen years pass by on clutched knees.
I am chosen. Forgiven. Ordained. Blessed.
Hallelujah comes out of every church pew.
I close my eye around derision
eat up the sun
keep my head above water
above water
til the world waits for me
a flaming angel in steel shoes
my mother molten on disability checks.
There is nothing I can’t do
with the perspicuity
the iron resolve
of God’s wings.
