Neoliberal Prayer #1: Bedtime Prayer

by Marchiano

Dear Lord,
I ask not for
riches or wealth,

for a coterie
of servants, for
precious gems from

faraway lands. I ask
not for public adoration,
for the long recognition

of history, for my name
to be summoned with
solemn and furrowed

brow. I ask not, O Lord,
for peace of mind,
for a calm untroubled

gait, for relief from
all woe. No, Lord.
I would not dare insult

your beneficence
with such base and
groveling requests.

But Lord, make me an
old white man!
The rest’ll follow.
       Amen.

Marchiano is a queer poet, activist and community organizer