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    Melissa Hotchkiss



Thank You For Dying With Us

My nephew Caleb, believes Jesus is a rabbit
Waiting for take-out at an Indian restaurant
I misread Thank you for dining with us'
A rabbit, my sister mentioned

In a nutshell I might describe a knight 
As a foot soldier who can afford a horse

Jesus' I say as I sit, Do you believe
this world to be an unstable location?'

Why yes,' the rabbit replies, there are blind faults, 
words sans serif, and don't be deceived by star fish,
they are sly predators.'

Rubbish.' I say, for I prefer English
Has Santa ever brought you a present, Jesus?
I wouldn't think Santa forgets you.'

In a harsh climate, an animal can't help
But to become superior

Only as example I then remember
The Icelandic horse, a hearty breed

Jesus disturbs my thoughts: As a collective mind
we would lapse without forgiveness as an option.'

I know.

As land mass, finally, once became critical 
My curry my dinner, is ready



This poem originally appeared in American Poetry Review.




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