There’s a big Zulu runs our congregation A woe doctor cherubim chaser
Puts his finger on the chief witch
Has a mind to deter foes
Is by the Star Archangel shown a surprise
Writes his letters in vision mentions his B.A.
From many a college
Has a fan to scatter flies
Receives a penetrating look
From an imaginary visitant in white
Knows all the meanings at once
Knows he is in heaven in rectangles
Of invented saints
Flaming with new degrees and orders every day
“I dreamt this Church I dreamt
Seven precious mitres over my head
My word is final.
“I now General Overseer Concession Registrar
Of rains and weather Committeeman
For Pepsi-Cola all over the islands
Flail of incontinent clergy
Wave my highstrung certificate in times of change
Don’t you need a Defender with a medical guarantee?
“You think that I am only a clown-healer from the out-district?
Hold this black bag while I lay hands on children
Steady my followers with magic curios
When I sleep I watch you with eyes in my feet
Last night I dreamt of four beds
I must marry again must go get
Another angel-nun
Come holy deaconess we’ll ride
Barefoot in yellow busses to Jordan River
Wearing emblems of the common vow
“Subleaders keep telling the message
Like it was new
Confirming my charism as Prime-Mover in Management
I shall continue in office as President
For all time until the earth melt
As all Full-Leaders stand over you wearing their watches
Moulding you by government of thought
And I return a while to the Origin
Ruling through a female medium from an obscure place:
HOLD THIS MITRE WHILE I STRANGLE CHICKENS
AND THROW THEM IN THE AIR
COVERING THE SACRED STONE WITH BLOODY FEATHERS
(And surround the altar
With lie detectors.”)
Leave a Reply