Mud Room

 

“Pair of Worn Shoes” by Vincent Van Gogh

 

 

a place to get shed
of an unclean world
drop the boots
that have slogged
through iniquity
strip the slicker
still dripping with
brazen deceit
peel the gloves
bloodied black
from fending off
malice and mayhem

a vestibule chapel
a cleansing place
meant for a private
few moments to
regather dignity
ready to reenter
unspoiled spaces
of family and faith
and fraternity
home to the hearth
mighty weary but
clean once again

 

 

From my book Human Waters