A Poem for Everyday Prophets

"Rejection . . . teaches. This is a powerful revelation, like the burning UFO wheel seen by the prophet Ezekiel, or like the McRib sandwich shaped like the Virgin Mary seen by the prophet Steve Jenkins." --Chuck Wendig, as quoted in Aerogramme Writers' Studio.

I love this nod to the prophets, those rejected or quirky folks whose revelations come from suffering as artists (even if they are pretty weird). We are those everyday prophets, artists, and poets, even as we face rejection. As a matter of fact, you really shouldn't trust any prophet who hasn't had a hard life . . . . 

Prophets

A false prophet is easy to tell

by his clean neck, fine voice

the maps in his glove box

and his command of time.

 

Real prophets

don't believe half what they hear themselves saying

smoke too much

owe on their taxes

have a way of looking at you

 

sharp as boots

seeing a ways off and pretty far down

spying what you'd have noticed

but for the dirt in your eye.

 

Real prophets

kick at things

dig straight to Hell

say, Hold this

hand you the shovel

and jump in first.

 

Real prophets miss buses

hitch rides on beer trucks

say, Meant to get here sooner, but . . . .

 

Meanwhile you wait by the highway

tracing your toe in the dust

map in fist

thinking you're done for.

                    

                          --Christi Krug

 The above poem was previously published in the Aroostook Review.