PLAYING CHURCH

We line up march in to We are Soldiers
one hand fist ball in the small of back
the other swing in rhythm to the march
of organ and head nod musician
direct our song our steps point
to where we stand
enough cousins to make us look like
Junior Usher Board #2

We sang and swoon and pretend faint
under pretend Spirit in pretend pews
made of rusted cans and fallen trees
use pretend fans to cool our brow
as pretend preacher takes pulpit
by storm recite James Weldon Johnson
Sinner oh Sinner where will YOU
be in that Great Gittin' up Mornin'
and We Come This Morning Knee Bowed
and Body Bent Before Thy Throne of Grace
Come Give the Preacher your Hand
and God your Heart
and hoop and sing the close
Come to Jesus Just Now

we lay on grass for Mourner's Bench
Cry for God to Come by Here
and take me Just As I Am
we buck and shout and wave our hands like
Mother's Boards and Women tired
of looking for husbands on Saturday
like Men who Strut Come Sunday
we put leaves in buckets for offerings
sing You Can't Beat God Giving
No Matter How Hard You Try

© Valerie Bridgeman
April 14, 2013

(FEELS LIKE DRAFT)