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Jesus Asleep at the Wheel

by Michael Channing

Jesus Asleep at the Wheel from If These Walls Could Hit Back by Michael Channing

headed out unencumbered
with a gas tank full of faith
self-doubt and righteousness
whispering like wraiths
wish i'd known not to give
so much of my space
to the broken furniture and passengers
i picked up along the way

from the bottom of my heart i gave all they could steal
with jesus asleep at the wheel

halfway up the mountain
the chassis starts to shake
i both cross and curse myself
and pump the brake
i'd turn around but the way i came
is littered with mistakes
every rand mcnally in the backseat
led to heartache

the manual never mentioned how painful it would feel
with jesus asleep at the wheel

several breakdowns later
i pull up to the house
unpack the heavy baggage
and crash on the couch
the roar of the silence
proves a little too loud
i make a ghost of myself
and head right back on out

heaven on the radio hell through the windshield
and jesus asleep at the wheel

boiling down the interstate the engine starts to squeal
jesus asleep at the wheel

It's My Turn to Drive


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Chokes and Warbles
Now Available

Chokes and Warbles, a collection of essays and poems by Michael Channing

October 29, 2021