All I Want

The fevered dreams of a life-long church person.

All I want from the universe is:

To sing things at church that say
What we dare not say in our prayers,
Either because the Bishop does not approve
Or just because they seem
Too much to ask for, even from God.

To meet dreamers who don’t care
What I believe
But can’t hear enough of my
Insane dreams for the future.

For time to talk about, instead of the budget,
Our hopes and dreams,
Wild imaginings, The Reign of Heaven which
Just for an instant
I glimpsed in the corner of my eye.

For just one week when I forget
All of the things I’ve promised
To keep secret, to have freedom
To talk about anything I want
With anyone I meet.

For a young, energetic, spark plug of a pastor,
Wise beyond her years,
Who does not want a bigger church,
Is not writing a book, or whatever,
Who I will learn is also a dreamer,
Who will be around to preach my funeral.

February 2025