piano man (John 3:1-17)

at the bar, where he's
been nursing his wounds
  after a long bored meeting,
Nick pushes himself to his feet
wandering over to
the cigarette-scarred
piano,
           where Jesus is
        slowly plinking
                    out
        'in the still of the night'

putting a dollar
in the chipped glass,
  he begins to chat
        with the guy
        who can do wonders
              with just a few notes;

nodding slowly,
listening carefully,
     Jesus looks up
           and smiles:
"my man,
you need a new dance partner,"
     pointing to the corner
as Nick turns,
he sees Spirit
  waiting for him with open arms;
"but, Nick," Jesus whispers,
     you gotta let her lead . . ."

as he swings into
a blues version of
     'i could have danced all night'

(c) 2008  Thom M. Shuman