by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

The Joke & the Divine

Photo by Nikola Knezevic from Unsplash

The Joke & the Divine

Young Mary told a naughty joke…

The Reverend heard her as she spoke.

In stern rebuke, he raised his hand,

with eloquence gave reprimand,

and when that great Divine had done,

he walked away and stood alone…

He thought upon her clever wit,

and, quite unholy, laughed a bit.

He bowed his head in bitter shame…

and then, poor man, he laughed again!

Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia

This poem was written when I was in high school, about 1966. I remembered it when I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t go back to sleep. I am not sure whether my father, who was a minister, was pleased when I teased him by writing this poem. However, he may well have laughed about it when I was not around! He did have a sense of humor.

61 Comments

  10. This is so funny and so rhyming and charming 😁
    There is nothing more divine than a hearty laughter, and laughter does not differentiate it’s cause – humans do that.
    It’s good the holy man found some reason to enjoy a laughter, even if in secret. So a good deed counted for young Mary nevertheless!

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  11. That’s a great poem.
    It reminds me of all the times my kids have been in trouble and I’m supposed to be serious— then they do something so darn cute that I have to run into the other room to hide my laughter!

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    1. Thank you so much, Beck, for sharing your thoughts. That does sound familiar! 🙂 I have three children from 29-51, and I certainly do remember those days! ❤ Maybe it is Karma! 🙂 Thank you for your ongoing support! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Cheryl

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  15. Oh this is so good Cheryl! Out of the mouths of babes that you captured so nicely! I love the thought of him having a little chuckle here. I certainly remember those times with my kids but with in reverand in his holiness.. that is even more funny.
    Love you wrote this and saved it! ❤️ Cindy

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    1. Cindy, thank you for sharing your parenting experiences and amusing perspective. I really appreciate the time you took to read and comment, and I appreciate your support. ❤

      I am glad you enjoyed the poem. I woke up with it on my mind at two o'clock this morning, and couldn't go back to sleep, so I got up and wrote it from memory. Due to allergies, I had to get rid of virtually all old papers and photos last year. I don't think there are any more poems rolling around in memory, but maybe there are. 🙂

      You have been on my mind today, as you often are. I hope all is well with you. Cheryl ❤ ❤ ❤

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      1. You are so welcome Cheyrl. So many stories I can’t remember tucked into the vault of my brain somewhere. Hey and at least it came to you and you could jot it down but why not in the afternoon right. Always disturbing our sleep. You are soooo welcome. I actuallly took 2 days off and you were first on my mind to check up on before opening my reader and glad to see you here. You are so welcome. It is always my pleasure. Oh such a bummer that you had to dispose of old poems and pictures!!!!
        Thanks Cheyrl, Great hike this morning and now making up for lost time. Have a great day! ❤️❤️❤️ Cindy

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Subbashini. ❤ My mother introduced me to nature, poetry, and art at a very young age and always encouraged me to learn and create. I appreciate her even more now that I am retired and have time to do more writing. I enjoyed seeing the rose your young daughter drew. I think you must be an encouraging mother like mine was. ❤

      Have a great week! Cheryl 🙂

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