A Hymn to Beer

A Hymn to a Beer

Within the frosty pilsner
      I witness the sunny liquid
bubbles, Pop–
Sun and Wholly spirited
slowly ascending
the opal triangle of transformation
              baptism in a well-used cup
transubstantiation.
Seven More! And my name
  will have changed
Slurring, lisping, pissing
away the hours–
Spitting all my transgressions
around the buzzing bar
and You upon the cross
grained table. Mea cupa, Mea cupa.
        Your sacred power ordains
me to sing your ungodly praises
a union of alcohol and watery wit until
      Journey plays
the familiar final rite
        before being sent
to prey in the darkened night.