I praise Katie at Randy's Diner

who asks me "Havin' the yoozh?"

I praise the broad-shouldered tall man

of cascading black beard at Daily Provisions
who gave me a cinnamon cruller for free

when I told him first time here!

I praise Vivian the choir director

with whom I was bonding Monday night
over giant green grapes and Benjamin Britten

I praise Steven who has gone no-contact

with Zuckerberg's juggernaut

I praise Lisa bringing me sandwiches

when Mom's in hospital

I praise Fr Arthur who lets me do the readings

at the hospital chapel Mass

I praise the ghost of Pat Moynihan

for his knowing the grammar of courtesy

and more vitally of human dignity

and the nobility of statecraft 

I praise my friend Barn Swallow

who sits by Lake Michigan
and gives us poems clearer than the lake

I praise John who helps me

whenever I'm in the clutches
of an undismissable anger

I praise Christie for being human

and queer and poetic
and holy and mellow and true

I praise those equipped with slingshots of Grace
to topple this goddamned Goliath