The Cynic and the Friar
In memory of Mychal Judge
The Friar was an old family friend who took it upon himself
To check in on my boyfriend, the black sheep of a pious family.
He had introduced us to a gay strip club and we were eager
To show off our new place: garden views and a miraculous,
Five by five kitchen. Of course, there were cocktails and wine
Before the pasta. Even a discalced Franciscan has to live.
He had just returned from Medugorje, in Bosnia,
Where the Virgin appeared daily to six young people.
We knew of it. Back in Yugoslav days we had crossed
From Bari to Dubrovnik on a boat bursting with pilgrims,
Annoying, so many, so many loud Americans. We left
Them at the dock for sladoled along Medieval lanes,
The rocky beaches of “our” Yugoslavia, secular, polyglot paradise—
To think what was to follow.
Now, the Friar was back, with us, attention-getter, do-gooder,
Holding forth about his pilgrimage with a wheel chair-bound
Ex-cop wounded in the line of duty, searching for a miracle
They had failed to find at Lourdes or Knock.
“I can’t wrap my head around it,” the Friar said, serious and misty-eyed
As he sometimes got between jokes and laughs at himself.
“I was in the church, praying, with all these people,
And out of nowhere I suddenly smelled flowers, roses.”
He paused. “Yes? And?” I leaned in for more.
“Well, you know the scent of flowers is a sign the Blessed Mother is…”
His voice trailed off. “Hell, I don’t know.” He laughed.
I had this. I pressed the table for emphasis.
“It’s obvious. You’ve been conditioned. You expected to smell flowers,
So, of course, you did. It’s all in your mind. Not to worry.”
“Ah, yes. I see,” he mildly thanked me for denying his miracle.
We cut the cake and moved on, the decades since…
To think what was to follow.
I often smell roses in his words.
Bruce E. Whitacre: Good Housekeeping, 2024 from Poets Wear Prada, is a BookLife Reviews Editors Pick. The Elk in the Glade: The World of Pioneer and Painter Jennie Hicks, Crown Rock Media, was also a BookLife Reviews Editors Pick. Both books received awards from The BookFest.Richard Thomas has narrated the audiobook, to be released in late 2024. His poems have appeared in many anthologies and over thirty five journals. He has been nominated for Pushcart and Best of the Net. He lives with his husband in Queens, NY. More info at http://www.brucewhitacre.com.
Amethyst Review 