7. Heaven

he ran away, long ago
but now he’s coming back
trudging up the dusty road
thoughts chasing themselves
around
and
around
as he tries to think of what to say

Father--
I am sorry?
no, that won’t work.
Father--
I’ve sinned against you?
better.
but still not quite right.
Father--

he realizes,
his sin was greater than he thought
not just against his father
but first
foremost

against heaven.

Father--
I have sinned against heaven
and before you
I am no longer worthy
to be called your son
Treat me as one of your...
hired servants.

satisfied, he rehearses it
perfects it
(or so he thinks)
and trudges onward.