whenever i have been
falling in love
i take them to the old church
on the ranch
because the church is me
can you love the drafty sanctuary
and the paint peeling rafters
like my ribcage and skin
can you stand before
the sad eyed jesus
like you stand at the end of my bed
can you love me
as both hewn architecture
and blight on the otherwise beautiful horizon
blood stained carpet
bruises on my knees
they’re going to bulldoze this place
and i will chain myself to the steps
