In previous observations of the rain
You were staring out the schoolhouse window
One drop amid the millions of
Children learning what puddles know
But you could make yourself a weapon
And pretend it never happened
Your clenched white fist squeezing
Secrets of the metropolis
The divinity of an altar boy life
Sold out under that street-light
One more of the mutilated
In a Judas kiss
In previous observations of the rain
It was dripping down your windshield
Disconnected pieces in the puzzle of ice
Sink to join a melting family
You wanted to be more responsible
Adult and exploitable
Your bleeding eyes scanning
A blackened notepad page
Thirty-one and adolescent
Bargaining with the man in his obsolescence
A complaint from offstage
Where you barely break minimum wage
In previous observations of the rain
It pounded upon the stained glass
Your head was bowed against the pew
Pondering proper repentance for the past
You wanted to think for yourself
Pull the narrative from the priest's mouth
For your tongue no longer tastes
The body of Christ
Playoff Sunday and home-field advantage
Family, loyalty and brain damage
Long middle-class nights when
Silence was God's advice