On Receiving

I reluctantly receive the slippery conjectures of old men glowing with God

I gladly receive the crock of stew prepared for the meeting

I reluctantly receive the lost iota dividing friends

I gladly receive the pint they shared after

I reluctantly receive forty minutes sermons

I gladly receive the coffee hour

I reluctantly receive the council’s vote

I gladly receive Sarah’s hideous hat

I reluctantly receive the Board Member

I gladly receive the clown

I reluctantly receive the offering plate

I gladly receive the peace of Christ

I reluctantly receive easy confidence

I gladly receive the sweeper of corners looking for God

I reluctantly receive priority boarding

I gladly receive the complimentary crackers

I reluctantly receive the happy funeral

I gladly receive the amen. GS