My mother and I stepped over trash
on a sidewalk, and she taught me
to judge the litterers.
My father taught me
to pick it up: the glee of superiority.
My priest and our youth group
stepped around a drunk face down
on a sidewalk, and he taught us
selective ministry.
My government and my peace group
debated the war and then
how to leave, what is our
duty,
who it is
who has the moral authority to take
responsibility
for the mess we have made.
Who do we think we are?
Who do we think we are?
First published by the RavensPerch (June 5, 2016). Also included in Post-Catholic Midrashim, available now at Finishing Line Press.
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