if pastors were apples,
there would be more than a few
bad ones in every barrel
if men were eggs,
half the dozen
(or six of them)
might be rotten
once You’ve had food poisoning—
or You’ve listened to someone
puke Their guts out
after food poisoning—
it’s reasonable and understandable
for You to be nauseated by
the sight of that food,
and apprehensive
so, i’m not at all offended if You are
careful
prudent
guarded
uncertain
discerning
circumspect
apprehensive
a whole thesaurus of wary around me
no, i’m not at all insulted if You have
stipulations
and requirements,
arrangments
and boundaries,
safe-practices
and policies
that You insist upon when
i interact with You
or Your Children
i don’t know Your story,
but i do know stories
i don’t know Your experiences,
but i do have experiences
i don’t know what’s happened to You,
but i do know what’s happened
i don’t know all the reasons for Your concerns,
but i do know that there is no reason
for anyone anywhere at any time
to be annoyed at Your wish
to protect Yourself
or Your Kids
(no good reason, that is.)