Partway Across the Ceiling – The Flood (poem)

I recall the new and old
faith before reformation
plagues harvesting Europe
crusades sending Charles Martel an other direction
wars to end all war occurring overhead

  The bright metal scaffolding was on rollers
about halfway across the Sistine Chapel
faded colors like time and civilization
contrasted sharply with new colors
going on with paint by the numbers precision

  All one needs is faith in Jesus Christ
legalism was the other way
everyone failed and the Holy Land was God’s besides
maladjusted renters corrected fell to human vices
such as war and death bring

  Beneath the underpass after stretch ties broke most spokes
projectile vomiting food poisoned french fries
dumpster fare for the flies
John Paul II died
a work of art is mankind

  Leading up to floods patience beats like a drum
a dirge of drones and deluge
a heart without song.