RUTH, REMEMBER WHEN – a poem

This poem is the result of a conversation I had with Ruthie last evening. The poem does not mean to equate sexual misconduct to ordination (though there is no denying that clergy of all religious traditions, along with educators, business executives, politicians, etc. have been guilty of using their power over relationship to sexually abuse the powerless). What the poem addresses is that acting on these impulses is equally crazy, for both will impact life in a very drastic way and, in time, elicit the question, “Just what was I thinking?”

“Remember when?”,
I asked you, “When my friend
(a local musician) was arrested
for sexual misconduct
many years ago?” You
look at me puzzled at
this resurrected memory.
Your facial expression,
the raised question mark
eyebrow speak the words
yet to be spoken, “Yes, so?”
“You told me that all
musicians were crazy
and, if I would ever think
about doing something
strange, to warn you.”
You nod, your beautiful
face painted with incredulity.
“I forgot to warn you,
(I pause) that I wanted
to be ordained a deacon.”
You bend over,
kiss me on the lips,
and whisper, “Too late.”
I already know.”