Don’t talk back. Go to your room,

or I’ll get the wooden spoon.

When your father comes home soon

then you’ll sing a different tune.

Each boy in Jesus has a friend.

Wonder at our daily bread.

By his hand we all are fed.

If you mock the word of god

then I’ll smack you in the head.

Please make this supper last, amen.

Ask forgiveness in your prayer

for the sins that you can bear.

Wag your fingers in the air

and I’ll knock you off your chair.

Please let this pitcher pass again.

Living in the Bible belt

with the lash that Jesus felt

raises up a purple welt,

mark of Cain upon your pelt,

a world as endless as the end.

Eucharis, 2009, acrylic on mixed media, 6”H