father Leo

i run into the local parish priest
at the 7-11. father Leo.
he's buying a six pack
of beer,
and a cartoon of lucky strikes.
hey, he says.
haven't seen you in
church for awhile, not you or
the wife.
oh, i tell him.
grabbing a newspaper and a
box of donuts.
things have changed. it didn't
work out.
oh, he says, sorry to hear that.
oh well. what can I say,
but hey, Thursday is bingo
night, why don't you come
on out. some singles will
be there, pot luck,
if you're ready
for that. he winks, and pats
me on the back. bless you my
son, he says.
keep your chin up.
see you in church.