You Might Be Surprised

Benediction
by Daron Larson

Hearth of Our Justice of the Peace, Elizabeth Campbell, Stowe, Vermont, February 7, 2003

While your name continues to be scribbled
onto lists along with addicts,
embezzlers, unfaithful spouses,
and others in need of divine intervention,
by well-meaning people
who refuse to rest until
arrangements have been made
to spend eternity together
in spite of having little to talk about over dinner,
you might be surprised when
a cranky, hard drinking, gnarled,
retired iron worker pushing ninety,
takes your hand and the hand
of the son of his son,
the person who shares your groceries
your gender,
your heart,
and wishes you not only a safe trip home,
but a good life together.