DUNKED

Life is perfect when the dirt never stains,
down by the riverside,
hallelujah chorus cleansing
before feet touch the water.

Reverend Buford Bellicose
bringing sins before a watery altar,
tomorrow will be dry and lily white.

Life's venue savored and sermonized
how glorious is paradise
once one's demons
are drowned by bath and vow.

Rituals dunking yesterday
into the rationalization's washer.
Donning a wet tee shirt
as hospital gown
for cancerous impulses.

Laundry done next week
bound to catch the filth
missed last time,
if not there is always
another opportunity,
because everyone knows
forgiveness is Heaven's chalkboard
that God always erases
when there are enough witnesses.