Together
in person
with the other
there is a chance
for meaningful dialogue
Yet separate,
when the image
of each other falls short
and remembrance
of the other's failing
looms large,
we start a monologue
with the other
who is now inside
our self,
this shadow
image of our self
who we keep
in a mental pocket
to pull out
when we need
to aim those
sudden hates
upon that
other
who got nearly close
to that inner place
but gave himself away
when those niceties
showed
something more bloody
underneath.
AND so this perfectly
professional saint
must now be potted
and walked upon
while we judges
move on
to find
the Christ
in all his purity