In times of great stress
I find I wish to regress
to the pomp and circumstance
of things including
clerical dress.
The clerical collar
always made me feel calmer
and gave me an identity
to relieve my lack of serenity.
While now I’m retired
and think I’m quite tired
of things disconcerting,
it wouldn’t take long
for me to do some rehearsing
and stand before the congregation
and signal my elation
at my fear’s cessation.
But that would be all for me
and not for the Lord of Eternity,
so I suppose I shall remain retired
in my state of existential uncertainty.