Viral Christianity: A Haibun

by

John J. Dunphy

(Originally published in Failed Haiku on April 1, 2020 (not an April Fools’ Day joke!)

An astonishing number of churches have discontinued their regularly-scheduled Sunday services during the coronavirus pandemic.

‘God is your refuge’

hand-printed sign taped to

the church’s locked door

Clergy in empty churches preach sermons that are streamed live to stay-at-home congregants. Those Catholic churches in which Masses are still said encourage congregants to sit far apart. Other precautions are also taken.

church

its holy water font filled

with sani-wipes

***

public service announcement

the faith-healer’s scheduled appearance

canceled

John J. Dunphy’s poetry collections include Touching Each Tree, Zen Koanhead, Old Soldiers Fading Away, pagan rites, Stellar Possibilities and Dark Nebulae. He owns The Second Reading Book Shop in Alton, IL.