A Wicked Priest

The President [of a witches’ Sabbath] was occasionally the local leader, but usually he was more; and if he were not more, yet he was felt as more … He was called the Devil; he was adored as the Devil; and, metaphysically, he may have been the Devil. —Charles Williams, Witchcraft

Father John has a generous bent:

his tipping is thirty percent;

he smiles at waiters

in cassock and gaiters,

showing teeth that are white and unshent.

Father John has a heart and a mind

for the needs of the lame and the blind.

When his eloquent voice

stirs the heart to a choice,

it is ever to service mankind.

Father John is a scholarly man:

all his sermons are preached to a plan,

to excite true devotion

and harness emotion

and save any soul that he can.

Father John is austerely correct

to discountenance schism and sect,

to adhere to the GIRM

in each rubric and term,

and the name of the Church to protect.

Father John has a most modest air.

He submits to his bishop with care,

And to laity too

When their judgment is true.

To his purity, none can compare.

Father John says the loveliest Mass:

his reverence none can surpass;

and when he confects,

his reflection he checks

in the chalice as if in a glass.