Jesus' Curfew - A Poem

About two months ago my friend, Adiel and I went to Poets' Hall to listen to some folks read their poetry.  We had a great time meeting people from all walks of life coming together to share their compositions from a variety of poetic styles.  We enjoyed ourselves so much that we returned and now have vowed that at our next visit we will actually share some of our work (eek!).

At that first visit, a reporter from the Erie Times-News was there interviewing some of the artists and audience members.  When the article was published a few weeks later I read it with interest.  In the article, the proprietor of Poets' Hall, Cee Williams was quoted as saying their only rule was "no Jesus after 10:00 pm".  Later, on his Facebook page Cee said he hoped people realized he was only kidding when he said it.  I have no reason to believe otherwise; I've got quite the talent for quick quips that can be taken the wrong way, so I can relate. 

Yet, the idea that there was a time limit on Jesus got some ideas percolating in my head.  This is what was brewed. 

Dedicated to Cee

Jesus’ Curfew

“No Jesus after ten-o’clock”, said Cee,

Albeit, with a grin.

“They’re a rough crowd here.

We can’t possibly let Him in.

He’ll feel uncomfortable and awkward

The LORD we might offend.

To His religious sensibilities

We can’t possibly attend.

The folks that come have been abused and hurt

And down on their luck.

They need to release their pain

Quite often they say ‘Fuck’”

The Lord listened to all of this

And then He spoke to Cee

“You’ve got it all wrong

Who did I hang out with when I lived in Galilee?

They were tax collectors and fishermen

Even prostitutes.

It was to the overly religious crowd

My message didn’t compute.

When my friends and I hung out and talked

The language could turn blue

(Although when those guys cursed

It was in Hebrew).

I conquered sin and death, my friend.

I've been to hell and back.

With your repentance, God’s forgiveness

My love you’ll never lack.

So the folks at Poets’ Hall are earthy.

I really like that!

Remember when God created man

It was with dirt in which He spat.

So ten-o’clock’s my limit, huh?

That curfew I will flout.

‘Cause I’m King of kings and Lord of lords

How ‘ya gonna keep Me out?”

Duck Hunting

I've never seen the show Duck Dynasty so I speak as an observer, not as a fan or combatant.  Since I live in a country where free speech is still allowed, here are some of my random thoughts on the topic:

1. We live in a country where free speech is a right protected by the Constitution.
2. Phil Robertson has the right to express his opinion.
3. We live in a country where freedom of the press and other media is protected by the Constitution
4. GQ magazine has the right to publish Phil Robertson's comments.
5. A&E has the right to set their programming schedule or discipline, hire and fire whomever they want, within contractual or regulatory requirements.
6. Citizens and residents of our country have these same rights to express their opinions on Phil Robertson, A&E or whatever.
7. With every right comes a corresponding responsibility.  In this case one of the responsibilities is to respect others' rights and to express opinions in a manner showing consideration of others' rights in a mature manner.
8. Duck Dynasty is a reality show, with "reality" defined by the producers, directors, editors and network.  A&E did not like Phil Robertson's "reality" so they're trying to change it to suit their business needs.
9. A&E is owned by The Hearst Corporation and Disney, who's job it is is to make money for their shareholders.  Entertainment is a means to an end. Own any Hearst or Disney stock?
10. Are you willing to forego a trip to Disney to support Phil Robertson?  Are you willing to subscribe to Hearst publications or watch other A&E programs to support A&E?  Put your money where your mouth (or keyboard) is.
11. Is A&E's beef with Phil Robertson about his opinions or that these opinions were expressed in a GQ interview, which is owned by Conde Nast, and not a Hearst Corporation publication?