"Some jolly verse to celebrate the grey
matter mares that neighed you through last night,"
the doctor told him. "Either that or pray
forgiveness, for you are a frightful sight."
The Padre thanked the doctor and went right
on doing what he's done for many years:
considering why God created tears
in what some call a perfect universe,
and taking nips to bite back his own fears.
"Yes," he says, "it could always be verse."