To my new pastor

this is a poem to my new pastor, padre Jaime
to whom I took an immediate dislike
Who brays threats in our church,
at this turning point in history,
Who insults the humble to parade his power,
Who twitches as he scans the collection plate,
Who strides from behind the altar
with his hatchet face and dyed hair
and basketball shoes to point the finger at sin.

A fool, I fail, through fear, in the charity
due my brother; poor, ignorant, frustrated
flapping, disappointed man. I fear
he will ravage my town, dishearten my neighbours, disable
God. I forget my faith; that Padre Jaime
is only himself being led, with me, to the slaughter.
Only compassion redeems illusion, but it always does.
So may god bless poor old Padre Jaime!
may God bless the poor old Catholic church!

Jenifer McVaugh