The Rutabaga Who Demanded Asylum

by

John J. Dunphy

The icy sidewalks burned through our shoes

as we walked to the cathedral.

Snow-covered beggars seated on the steps

gave us their loose change in exchange for

honey-marinated thoughts and prayers.

We dipped our fingers in the holy water basin

overflowing with the piss of prostitutes

who had stopped by the church to relieve themselves

after walking through alleys to grant absolution to dying winos.

The congregation of eunuchs genuflected

to acknowledge the real presence of Buddha

in the communion crackers and energy drink

consecrated by the horse trainer.

Still hungry after receiving communion, I asked for seconds.

“He wants more!” the acolyte whispered in amazement.

“I don’t have time for this shit,” the horse trainer yelled and began

flinging the consecrated crackers into the crowd like little frisbees.

A few worshipers managed to catch them in their mouths.

John J. Dunphy is a poet and writer who owns The Second Reading Book Shop in Alton, IL.