drive in vespers

tugboat enters lock

going south to saint louis

pelican takes flight

trucks on highway groan

crows daydream over dinner

dying in the fast lane

small boat big river

man trying to catch dinner

eagle laughs with me

drive in vespers

open twenty four hours a day.

waiting for evensong.

there an hour early

long before my appointed time

to begin my supplications.

i practiced by praying

cliff note prayer to

insects in the weeds.

as i practiced i had a vision.

a choir, angelic, sweet

swaying like river grass

on the bank chanting:

“adoramus adoramus adoramus

come on down and sing with us.

we'll bless your bloody knees.”

then god poked me saying

there is no wrong hour,

no offering required.

just ask.

and I, confused

asked god: “now?”