the unknotted scarf

 from February 2019

is this unjustified

that in my justification

priestless, i should take upon myself the imagery

my black winter coat the surplice

my untied scarf draped loosely round my neck the stole

so many still use the true form of it

even if i know mainly

the oversized suit for formality’s sake, the half-whimsical tie;

the round glasses, the t-shirt and distressed jeans —

do i mock their education and work

or do i proclaim the priesthood of all believers

and if so, ought i to revert to the suit-and-tie

ought i to take this as a sign

that much as i may marry and raise children and live in quiet deference

for the privilege of pressing tightly-closed lips against softer ones

that likewise i want the stole

and ought to dispense with what theology is required

dispense with all theology

and learn what is necessary

live what is necessary

to obtain —

what i doubt you see