Missing the Boat

It would have been better
to have missed the boat
if God were to give me an audience
read the poem I wrote
look me in the eye and embrace me
so I would feel held

But I skip the line saying
"I've a boat to catch"
though I feel no urgency
because the line only moves if you push

The devotees snatch my poem
I hold up the line briefly
She shrugs, smiling "no English"
draws me to her, blessing nontheless
"Mydaughtermydaughtermydaughter"
and I am pushed away by devotees
saying "Amma is busy"
tears in my eyes, smelling of roses
wondering why
we are in such a rush
to reach the grave

Next time
I will mail my prayer
I am in no hurry
to meet my maker