Son of Elmer Gantry’s Bitch (POEM)

The Wages of Growing Up Born Again Christian … While Curious & Creative

I.

Why do I struggle in this culture so coarse?

Why don’t I pursue profit without remorse?

Why do I want to heal, write and sing?

And feel guilty every time I permit that fling?

REFRAIN

See scrolls, screens, and stages speak to me indeed.

So many died, some lived, that I might listen, watch and read.

But why did Mommy transmit that curious reading itch?

Why me? Kimmy Schmidt? Son of Elmer Gantry’s bitch?

II.

Is it because I grew up Kimmy Schmidt, not boy but man?

Inside the body of that Eagle Scout son of Willy Loman?

The not yet dead salesman of creeds and policies.

Always at the Goddamn fucking knee of Elmer Gantries.