Andra Simons

The Joshua Tales: Joshua’s Baptism

I took Joshua by my side/myside to the ocean to be baptised in salt. The priest – a woman in drag – called forward those who would stand for him, help raise him under the lights.

And his Uncle the whore came forward. And offered his home on Sundays. And his Aunt the lunatic came closer. And offered her shoulders on Wednesdays. And I stood loud and offered my back for shade.

The priest layered sweet soprano hymns over rolling tides, dipped Joshua by my side/myside one, two, three times for salvation.