I And Thou Poem by Edmond Sheehy

I want Jesus. I want Jesus today.
I want to see Jesus coming across the Brooklyn Bridge,
swinging his tools as he walks,
joking with other carpenters,
sun shining from behind him,
if he has to work he might as well enjoy himself.

I want to see Jesus in everyone I meet.
Every pedestrian has this divine majesty.
Every commuter is immutably perfect.
Every bicycle messenger is on a secret mission to save us.

I want to buy coffee from street vendor Jesus.
I want the World Trade Center Towers rebuilt
and I want it extra light with no sugar.

After I get to City Hall, I want to shake the hand of Mayor Jesus.
I just hope that Jesus doesn't become
an Investment Banker after his term
and sell us municipal bonds endlessly.

I want to take the Six Train uptown.
to see Jesus, the conductor, the conveyor of Truth.
Over the rattling subway cars,
Jesus asks if I want to buy batteries.
Shy, immigrant Vietnamese Jesus,
he doesn't press his case.

When I get out at Astor Place,
I want to walk down St. Marks
and see in every tourist face Jesus.
Jesus is on horseback, policewoman Jesus,
she keeps us moving along.

On the old Tompkins Square bandshell,
I see Jesus guitar.
I hear the word made groove.
Everyone dancing in the park
abandons desires, distractions and doubts.
They only want to live for love,
happy for any chance
to help each other into paradise.

I am exhausted by the glory of Jesus.
Every blade of grass is ablaze on the lawn
The tenements echo with joy.

I seek respite in the shade
of the General Slocum fountain
beneath the trees upon the benches
where young mothers pin up their hair
to join the children bathed in grace.

So, I have come to know that the universe
is a conspiracy of mercy.
I close my eyes in peace.
and open them to see
the opportunities
to bring forth delight.

There is no love that is profane.
Here before us is the City of God.
Nothing is more holy.

Enjoy each other.
Multiply love by acts of kindness.
Glorify the streets of New York.
Sanctify every exchange.
Watch out for the bike messengers
and look both ways in traffic
for the love of Jesus.