God breathed their Word
Into the void
And the void filled

God breathed their Word
Into the world
And the world bloomed

God breathed their Word
Into the flesh
And the flesh awakened

God breathed their Word
Into the woman
And the Word was made flesh

God breathed their Word
Into me
And the Word is Immanuel

God with us 

Wring out the old rag
Dripping water 
Dirty
From cleaning dishes
Piled too high with excess

Bring in the new cloth
Dry and clean
Handmade
To lay the table
With plenty for all

Wring out the old lies
Dripping promises 
Empty
From bought lips
Filled too long with greed

Bring in the new truth
Bright and sure
Shining
To fill our nations
With goodness for all

Wring out the old wars
Dripping blood 
Red
From bodies
Sent too young to die

Bring in the new peace
Ringing out
Loud and long
To fill our spirits
With life for all

Twelve steps to atonement for alcoholism’s hurts
How I wish I had such a clear, straight path
Well-maintained
Sign-posted
Broad shallow rock-defined gravel-filled steps
On the trail to the summit of atonement

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I not eschewed my family’s generational 
alcohol-soaked sin

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I not eschewed my family’s generational
 Jesus-soaked faith

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I not eschewed my family’s generational
French-rooted home

Perhaps atonement would be easier
had I become a quite different I
A New Orleans alcoholic Cajun Catholic
Perhaps, but probably not