Lost

I awakened with this today.  I figure this experience informs a part of my calling to stand in the middle of things.  The man who was elected that day is still the bishop.   His consecration was six months after the election on a converted basketball court.  Six months later I was able, finally, to ascent to his election.  It did not come easy.

Almost twenty years ago,

I lost,

Profoundly lost.

Only a voter

But I lost.

The election

Was for bishop.

I voted for the person

I thought

Best qualified.

Someone else was elected

On the first ballot.

At the announcement

The Cathedral erupted

In wild applause.

Everyone was invited to stand,

Sing an Easter hymn.

I was bereft.

I have voted in at least

Five bishop elections

In an almost thirty year tenure

As priest.

This is the only election

I remember.

The only one.

Every detail.

Every single detail.