Gary Edward Geraci

Piqued and Pruned

One continuous struggle

to maneuver around

this constant conniver:

a conniving woman,

my piety her target;

 

her inquiry: to

prove my unholiness,

the secularity

of my ministry: that

of a “mangy donkey!”

 

(True.) Contempt for bearded

masculinity too; she

embellishes the emotional,

embroiders the fake;

my human defects, foibles,

 

and frailties magnified

she cherishes and prizes,

critical of the means:

His Cross, His Gospel. So

forgive her Lord for she knows

 

not what she is doing.

Today I eat spoiled food:

active mortification

for those whom have no choice

and yet I still consume You,

 

hiding behind the accidents

of bread and wine, in the

same way anyone else

in the world can do whom,

piqued and pruned, still believe.

 

Gary Edward Geraci

 

“And all who want to live piously in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12-13