Creative Sample, Poetry; Grilled Cheese and Jesus

Grilled Cheese and Jesus

On Sunday

energetic hallelujah hands

deposited fingerprints

on stainless steel

in hasty search for the processed yellow squares.

Paws clicked below our knees,

skirting feet

in anticipation of a snack,

while buttered bread sizzled

on Mom’s Grilled Cheese Skillet.

Assembled quickly—

bread folded prayer-like around melted cheese—

our sandwiches oozed with temptation

as we filled eight bowls with tomato soup

so good it could save your soul.

At the table long before our parents

we slapped our hands together

in one six-person clap

disguising impatient hunger

as a yearning to give thanks

while Mom finally advanced

with the sandwich stacked platter.

In perfect after-grace routine

I reached across two chests

in hungry zeal for the freshest food.

Weight shifting on my suddenly

tipping seat

I grabbed blindly

and found only red soup

for support.

We toppled

soup on body,

and as innocent eyes turned up

to downward glares,

Crucifix Jesus hovered

on the wall,

blessing our family and our meal.

Dad added to our previous prayer,

“God damn it!”