the lightning bolt

your grandmother's version
of heaven and hell,
was vastly different
than the biblical account.
she'd say things like you're
going to burn in hell with
your father if you don't finish
your breakfast. which confused
us, because your father
just patted you on the head
as he took the trash out
and went to work.
when billy graham came on
the tv, she had us on our
knees touching the screen
praying for our salvation
and forgiveness. forgive
these bad children she'd
say, blowing smoke from
her tarreyton cigarette
into the air. they know
not what they do.
don't stand near the window,
she'd rail when it stormed.
lightning will strike you
and if you haven't
been saved, well once
again you'll be sent
to the lake of fire to swim
with all the evil people
that ever lived, especially
that catholic monster
john f. kennedy.  if he's
re-elected, she'd say,
as God is my witness,
i'm moving to canada.
she was a lot of fun
to be around and i think
of her everytime
i see a lightning bolt
crackle across the sky.