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God of the Garage

by Michael Channing

God of the Garage from Off Course by Michael Channing

few came to worship and none of them stayed
even demons would flee from the ruckus we made
with anger and fear in every note played
three became one and a new god was made

what’s that noise?
the absence of hurt
keep your car
out of my church

nothing was holy but everything sacred
sound was a father for children forsaken
our mistrust and faithlessness could not be shaken
nothing was ours unless we could break it

what’s that noise?
the absence of hurt
keep your car
out of my church

monday was judas betrayed us to silence
school-sponsored doldrums and family violence
exiled to normalcy on separate islands
but no one could conquer the temple inside us

what’s that noise?
the absence of hurt
take your car
out of my church

Joyously Screams Out Its Pain


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Chokes and Warbles
Now Available

Chokes and Warbles, a collection of essays and poems by Michael Channing

April 23, 2021