The Christ from a Mobile Home

“Road Song” by Wes Montgomery

cheers the darkened room

through speakers and headphones

worn when a video call

was necessary to chat with a friend

in Rapid City

which recalls a moment on the road

the dream from last night

Omaha Street that runs east and west

where the street is full of flood water

the air mattress being held tight

in a phantasmagorical flood

then to beach on another street

to walk back to a trailer home

that needs an examination

of an overheated electrical switch

everything so real

in full color

then to leave to go to the shop

to do the necessary woodwork

to select the right nails

just next door

shared with a woman who looks perplexed

at my attire

“For religious reasons?” she queries

Yes religious reasons

why else would someone wear

a loincloth but to float

in a disaster

only to return home

like so many ghosts

from the real flood

many years ago

their bodies stripped of all clothing

by rushing waters in the dark

with no jazz to accompany

the screams of terror

If it was only possible to be Christ

in a loincloth nailed on the cross

to guarantee life to all the lost friends

if it was only possible to be His Father

to stop the rain from piling up

in steep canyons

or to give a floaty to each person

so they can walk home

without becoming invisible

no vocalizations of pain

no tears from surviving relations

This is an odd dream

for someone who doesn't go

to church

Time was spent in the bars

after that real event

drinking wine

with my apostles

Others went to pray

It must be my turn

Barry G. Wick