Public Republic

Kenneth Pobo

Photo: mikebaird

My Sunday School teacher mom
wears a green dress. In baggy pants,
bow tie, I’m thinking about Mama
Cass, Question Mark and the

Mysterians, Keith. Glenn laughs,
talks out of turn, interrupts. His mom,
Lydia, stalks in, gives him a SLAP
across the face. Glenn,

no expression, like he wants
to cry but not when a guy’s started
junior high. Mom looks away,
tells us of Peter who got out

of the boat and walked on water
since Jesus said he wouldn’t drown.
The room’s capsized.
Saltwater fills our lungs.