Joe From Ararat

Just as he removed his hat
a dove flew by
clutching an olive branch.

The dove went back to the Ark,
bearing a message
that it was finally safe to land.

So the Ark settled on his bare head,
and animals poured out
and took refuge in his scalp.

Some made their way down
to the ears and nostrils,
entered his brain and took up residence.

They began to breed,
murmured and cackled and screamed
that he was holy ground.

This played hell with his concentration.
Work became impossible.
He was fired and became indigent.

I met him at a veterans’ shelter
where I’d gone to drop off clothing
for the winter ahead.

He told me, “They won’t shut up,
but at least there’s a rainbow in front of me
all the time.”

I dug through the bag I’d brought
and found him a new hat.
“I don’t need that —

wouldn’t want to chase away
another dove looking for
dry land.  But I do wonder

where that first bird
got that olive branch
and why she didn’t just lead Noah there.

What was wrong with that guy’s head?
Why didn’t she think it was good enough
for the animals if there were olive trees there?

Maybe I was meant to be the new world. 
When I think about it, I kinda feel sorry
for the guy who didn’t get chosen,

sometimes.  Maybe
he needs that hat?  He’s got to be
cold.”