"All said and done, we are surely pleased to receive the Commencement Oration From his Right Honourable Reverend Talbot Eames Thomas the Third, Sanctified, and Ordained, in The Service of Our Merciful God And who serves the congregational ne……. blah, blah, blah blow, blow, blow……. "
Preacher Thomas felt a drop of sweat slide down his nose. As he put his hankie to his cheek… Careful to not let the audience think He was ill… He surreptitiously dabbed the annoyance away, Then quietly slid the scrap of cotton behind a vest button.
As he emptied his mind of complaint, doubt, or custom, Preacher Thomas readied himself to perform for the mustered…
Those voluntold beloved who'd Given dutiful consent To come watch the official assent From one place to another.
Victims of graduation day… They all had their part to play. ……..
As the third Thomas to preach for our church, Preacher had learned to keep his thoughts to himself.
He grew up , listening first to his Pappy, Then to his Daddy, Then to his mirror.
He'd learned folks will call you what they need from you.
Grandparents of his flock, today, Called his Pappy Reverend. They had craved the promise of peace, gained by live'n the "righteous" way.
His Daddy's generation had needed the comfort of a Pastor.
And now, folks wanted to be entertained.
Preacher Thomas silently sighed, as his introduction came to a close. Temptation to tell em the truth was almost overwhelming. Would they listen? Would they understand, If he told em to just go fishing?
Would they understand - These newly hatched men of faith - To cast their lines upon the water and never fret bout the catch. Cause , once you start to share yourself, your goose is cooked Your secrets hashed.
Give your folk some words they might follow, But never ever Let em know you.
Would they understand?
……..
No one knew his politics Or his taste in music.
Private matters stayed tucked between his sheets. And not a one of the church's cooks knew what he liked to eat.
A preacher who entertained and gave each misery its due attention Could live his life in blissful oblivion. And pick up a paycheck, to boot.
As Preacher Thomas rose to his ovation, A scrap of dark velvet caught his eye -Like a snake in the grass - It bounced his brain to the bag. He gave silent thanks no one knew how much he'd like to burn that blasted bag.
Given his druthers, he'd scorch what he could And then shred the rest to rags.
Preacher Thomas turned to his duty…
Dread for the inevitable chore of dinner with Bill Lay like a lump in his gullet.
With a deep sigh and a smile that never reached his eyes, He started in with his sack of lies.
Dear hearts, Faculty and Staff of Southern Salvation Seminary, Parents, Families Friends… and finally, you fine members of the graduati….. blab blah blah… blow blow blow… "
………….
Bill picked him up in the midst of after-church small talk. He'd been surprised when Preacher had called before breakfast.
So surprised, in fact, that he forgot his plan Which was to suggest that they go fish'n.
At the river, they could talk bout the marbles outside the reach of folks big ears.
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