Dr. Pepper Floats in Harpenden

“…that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19b


The fullness of God is like

Dr. Pepper floats diligently prepared

for three perfect angels dancing

around the kitchen bright and beautiful

and barely sitting on beechwood benches

worn with waiting — sheepskin seatcovers

slipping and sliding under the abundance

of life assembled at the table, bubbling over

with anticipation and wonder while

three tall drinking glasses are each graced

with an orb of Carte d’Or ice cream,

a flourish and a pour of Dr. Pepper fizzing

far past the brim, whipped cream topping

an already overflowing cup running over,

pink mini marshmallows pressed down,

and hundreds and thousands of sprinkles

shaken together for good measure,

and a swirl, then another, of chocolate syrup

that drips down the insides and outsides

of these creations teeming with delight

as they are lifted to lips, and fingers finally

swipe clean the cup, and spoons scrape out

whatever is left from sipping and gulping

and taking in more of the very-goodness

than seems possible in so humble a vessel

and so short a time.

author: Ryan Keating
issue: Mirth
5 of 38