Street Preacher (for Ollie Armstrong)

‘…science doesn’t make things true’

As I try to focus away from him

my mind drifts to the dirty saucers and forks

balancing by my sink.

‘…God is going to judge me according to Jesus…’

They’ve been stacking up for seven days.

I daydream about filling the bowl with warmth

and softening my skin on the suds

‘…There is only one hope for you all.

There is only one hope for you, ladies…

I imagine dunking every plate near me,

washing away its features.

‘…madam, got any thoughts?’

I think about how clean my guilt would feel.