I had a dream,
I found a beautiful, majestic church in the middle of nowhere
I was confused.
Come to think of it, just the size had me dumbfounded.
The golden, arched double doors opened for me
so I glided in and sat before I could look around.
When I did, all I felt was fear. I was so high up,
it was so scary
yet the  people next to me didn't seem so wary
or aware
that the lush chairs they were sitting on
were clouds of air.

The next curious thing
was the pastor, I knew him from somewhere...
He was barely grounded himself
but he wore a 4-piece suit, made of gold, shined to an ace,
matching the exterior of the church
(although the interior wasn't much)
I wondered what he looks like inside,
and if he really is the guy from the sign,
advocating for those wanting a helping hand,
for only 4 easy payments of 19.99 and
your soul as down-payment.

I listened to his lecture-
I don't know what else to call it-
he was preaching like a professor, little rushed
like he's gotta get through this lesson,
but nobody was taking notes.
I looked around and saw blank faces nodding,
like anything he says is truth, and needs no prodding
or question, no thought or contemplation.

What happened next is what awoke me.
I stared, mouth agape, at a slightly obese family sitting close,
sitting still, as motionless as their face, expressionless.
At this moment, I wanted only not to be lonely
or confused,or scared or uncertain of how long I can float,
before my body and soul fall through, hit the alter
to disturb the procession, only for a second.
I needed not to think.
Thankfully, the doors burst open at that moment
and my mom stood outside, waiting. I left,
feeling like I brushed shoulders with death.