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Witnesses

       

 

Doorbell rings.

Jehovah’s witnesses

have come calling:

a well-dressed couple,

with two children tailing behind,

even the kids done out 

in their best suits.

They smile.

Their skin gleams with sincerity.

And I get the same speech

my next-door neighbor slammed the door on

before they had a chance 

to hand him their literature.

It’s Saturday morning 

and better listening to their spiritual spiel

than cutting the unruly backyard grass.

And they’re not asking for money.

They just want my soul.

Why not?

 I have one to spare.

And how often do I see a family group

that can stand so calmly 

in warm July weather,

in heavy clothing, 

without being at each other’s throats.

Really, they should ditch 

the whole Jehovah thing

and get into counseling.

They wouldn’t have to say a thing,

just be like a living diorama –

the ideal family. 

I could exhibit them

to some people I know.

 

 

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in New World Writing, North Dakota Quarterly and Lost Pilots. Latest books, Between Two Fires, Covert, and  Memory Outside The Head are available through Amazon. Work forthcoming in California Quarterly, Seventh Quarry, La Presa and Doubly Mad.

 

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