\\ j \\
they call me in for confession
it is one of the older men
the ones who judge you if you are happy
or speak words that aren't read from the book
he sits down after i do
the room is dark, but i feel his eyes
boring into my face
they usually sit sideways
"have you come for confession?"
"yes."
"the lord will forgive you for whatever it may be that you are plagued with. what was a sin that you have committed since your last confession?"
"lust."
he shuffles.
"oh, really. in what manner?"
"i'd prefer if it was between me and the Lord."
lies. i force it through my teeth.
"only the Lord can hear it? i do not think you have that choice. i am one of his messengers."
"don't the words become watered down if they are not from the source?"
he says nothing. until
"come to my office. it is in the back."
he gets up. i leave the box
