The God of Draperies Poem by Alan Michael Parker

When revelation comes, the God of Draperies
Cannot decide the difference

Between in and out.
A patio is out though in a yard, he thinks,

Nursing his ignorance
And a mostly gone Tom Collins,

The sunshine and the cicadas and the loveliness
Competing for his rage.

But a car is out? So what about a swizzle stick?
Out of the box but in the drink,

Then out of the drink and in the mouth.
A little bit in and out, he thinks, the vinyl slats

Of the ancient chaise lounge
Stuck to him

Like bacon to a slice of Wonder Bread.
And the soul is in? And heaven is out?

But when the soul is
Out, is it then

In heaven?
Time for another

Drink, a tall one, but only half.
Which is the way it is, he thinks,

With gods and worshippers and revelation;
No one is ever sure

Exactly who
Has been revealed to whom.