Intercessory Prayer

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When I was young and stupid, I went on a fast

Against the war in Vietnam.  I thought

My hope would wing its way to where Christ, glassed

In his perfection, would do what he ought.

Momentum toward that glassed ideal was lost.

He taught me there is no escape from truth.

My supplication upward he just tossed.

He saw that I was only hungry youth.

Infinity was far, far past concerns

Like mine.  He left me wallowing alone in

In teenage ignorance where darkness burns

A black flame candle in my world of sin.

  The killing of the slant-eyed gooks went on

    And on.  He opened up a napalm dawn.