The Poet

By G. Louis Magliano

Coming out from an outlaw world that is ruled by dollars and fueled by power into a spiritual life that is centered around faith and trust in a God that cannot be seen by the physical eye is a challenge.

The only trust Bullwinkle had ever known was a brotherhood of blood, where your back was covered by a strong arm and a cold heart. Now he walked in a city of sin but was no longer a part of that world. Everything was different, yet nothing had changed. For the first time in his life, Bullwinkle was seeing things from a different angle. He was trying to cope with a new way of thinking and was inspired spiritually in a world of flesh. With Satan on one shoulder and Jesus on the other, each whispering in his ear and every choice had consequences, some of which were eternal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546200192

G. Louis Magliano

G. Louis Magliano, a.k.a. Knothead, is a patch holder and member of Bikers for Christ Motorcycle Ministries. He has been with BFC for six years. He is an independent ordained minister and attends an Assembly of God church in Ashland City, Tennessee. He is married with four children and four grandchildren. Originally from Chicago, he has been in Tennessee for twenty one years. He has authored three other Christian novels: The Hour Glass, A War Within, and The Jesus Fix.

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The POET

WRITTEN BY G. LOUIS MAGLIANO

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© 2017 Written By G. Louis MAGLIANO. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 07/26/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0020-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0019-2 (e)

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Contents

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Epilogue

Dedication

Doctors and nurses worked on Paul at a feverish pace. They used drugs, pushed by huge hypodermic needles and then went to CPR. They shocked him three times and pushed more drugs but there was no response. They continued for another ten minutes but still nothing.

One of the doctors called for them to stop and looked at the clock. Time of death, 19:13 hours.

At 7:15 p.m. Monica Maxwell jumped up as she heard Angelica screaming from her bedroom. She ran to the room and threw open the door and saw her child kneeing on the floor. What’s wrong baby?

MOMMY! OH MOMMY! HE’S DYING! PAUL IS DYING! WE HAVE TO PRAY! She screamed. PLEASE PRAY WITH ME!

How do you know that honey? She knelt down next to her daughter and wrapped her arms around the crying child.

Angelica looked at her mother. God told me. Please help me pray so God will change His mind.

Monica felt tears well up in her eyes. Okay baby. Do you want me to pray?

No! I have to. she took her mother’s hand. But I don’t know what to say?

Just tell Jesus what you feel. That’s all Paul did for you. He just prayed his heart.

The small child held her mother’s hand tightly and bowed her head. Oh Jesus. Please don’t make Paul die. I love him. He saved my life. Don’t You love him too? He is a good man and he can do more if you let him. Why would You do this to me? I want to see him again and ride with him. She started to cry. It is going on in Oh Jesus. Can’t You hear me? Why did You tell me he was going to die? Why do You want me to pray and then not listen? I don’t understand You. This isn’t what Paul said about You. You have to hear me. Oh, Jesus You just have to. Please.

Father Rayne and Reverend Simmons watched in disbelief. They both knew how critical the situation was but both men believed that he would pull through.

We should have prayed more. Reverend Simmons said. If only we took it to prayer with more fire.

Father Rayne shook his head. He has always been in God’s hands. His will be done. The man’s mission here on earth had come to an end. The Lord has called him home.

I cannot accept that. The reverend said. I just cannot. He had done so much. He touched my heart, my cold foolish heart, and so many others. I cannot accept the fact that the Lord is finished with him.

What do you want to do? He looked at his partner. The man is dead.

Then we will both lay hands upon him and ask the Lord to raise him up. That is what we will do.

I don’t think… Father Rayne started.

All my life I have been preaching a faith based message and put the blame on others when God did not move but I am here to tell you that the time is NOW brother. I can feel it. And I’ll tell you something else. There is someone praying right now for the same thing. I know it. I feel it, now are you going to pray with me or not.

The priest stepped forward. Well then. He slapped his companion on the back. Let us proceed brother.

They walked into the room and were going to ask the nurse to step aside. She was in the process of disconnecting Paul from life support. She looked at a monitor and gasped. She ran past the men and into the hall. WE HAVE A PULSE!

1

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3; 5-6

Bullwinkle wasn’t sure of his future any longer, not that he had much of a clue before all this madness started. Everything was turned around, mixed up now and there were no more certainties. At least when he was in the club he could pretty much figure out what was going to happen that night or the next day. There were some discrepancies but for the most part things were pretty predictable but not now. As he looked around the courtroom at the many people who would decide his fate, he wondered why he felt the way he did. He was at peace with himself and that didn’t make sense. He always figured he would have his day in court but under much different circumstances. The charges against him were no surprise but the way in which he acquired them was quite different than what was his norm. And the charges really weren’t all that horrid.

He looked at the people sitting at a desk across the aisle. These men wanted to put him in prison for a long time and the word mercy was nowhere to be found in their agenda. They were the prosecutors for the state, the defenders of the people, and their job was to see that justice was served, as they saw it. They were law and order. Bullwinkle smiled inwardly as he thought about that line ‘law and order’. He wanted to say ching ching like the TV show but held it in.

He looked at the man in the front of the courtroom with the long black robe, the judge. This man was supposed to represent and interpret the law but it was obvious to Bullwinkle from his demeanor that he was biased. It was easy to see by the expressions on his face and body language that he was not particularly in favor of the previous lifestyle of the defendant. Bullwinkle glanced over at the 12 men and women who sat in the juror’s section. These were his peers. Bullwinkle smiled when he looked at them. They didn’t look anything like him, not even close but it was what it was in there was nothing he could do about it.

Bullwinkle then looked at his attorney, Daniel Maxwell. Danny had told him not to worry. Everything was under control. He had said but the way the trial was going it was hard to see the control factor. Even though Bullwinkle trusted Danny to do his personal best, he figured that there was no way he was going to get out of this without a hefty prison sentence. There were just too many things stacked up against him. Parole violation, concealed handgun, illegal bulletproof vest, assault of a police officer, resisting arrest and a slew of other minor charges that the DA tacked on just to make it look better. The first-time Bullwinkle had seen the charges he almost laughed out loud. He had handed the paper back to the DA and turned to Danny and whispered in his ear.

Man, he missed a lot of stuff. I done a lot worse things than that.

Danny shot a stern look back at Bullwinkle. Just keep that to yourself please. This is going to be hard enough.

It might appear to the casual observer that the defendant really didn’t have any support in the courtroom but that was not the case. Bullwinkle turned in his seat and smiled. He wanted to reach back with his massive hand but he had been warned before that such action would not be tolerated so a smile and a wink would have to be enough.

I love you Bullwinkle and I been praying every day for you from the time I wake up till the time mommy makes me go to bed. I just know everything is going to be okay. Angelica said in a not so soft tone. The prosecutors at the table across the aisle turned and looked at her and then went back to their paperwork. Even a couple of the jurors heard the statement.

Daniel turned and smiled at his daughter but made a gesture to his wife that she must try to keep their daughter from speaking out loud again. He smiled as he thought that the words of the child would have a positive effect on all who heard it. If the judge said anything about it he could claim reasonable ignorance and that the little girl was speaking out of turn. After all she was only five years old. He would never admit that he had purposely let his wife and daughter sit behind him and Bullwinkle knowing that the child would probably say something to that effect. It was a tactical risk but it had a positive effect. The stone-cold court would see a side of the defendant that was not readily apparent.

As the judge lectured the jurors on the protocols and procedures that they must follow when they went into the back room to decide his fate, Bullwinkle looked toward the ceiling and close his eyes. It’s all in your hands now.

As the deputy came to escort Bullwinkle out of the courtroom Danny told him one more time that he was sure everything would be all right. I told you man, I ain’t worried about it. Don’t you.

I’m not worried about it but I want you to be prepared for what might happen. Danny smiled at Bullwinkle. Besides, it’s almost Christmas. Maybe we can find some Christmas spirit in this place.

Bullwinkle laughed. Believe it or not this wouldn’t be the first time I spent Christmas in the joint. It ain’t actually as bad as it sounds.

The deputy tapped Bullwinkle on his shoulder. Come on, I got to take you back.

Yeah man it’s cool. Bullwinkle stopped the deputy and turned around. Hey Danny, could you get that priest to come and see me?

You want me to get the prison chaplain?

No man. I want the priest from the hospital. You know the guy am talking about. Paul’s friend.

I can do that for you. Just sit tight.

Yeah like I got anything else to do right now. Bullwinkle mumbled to himself.

I LOVE YOU BULLWINKLE! Angelica yelled.

I love you too baby. Be a good girl now and I’ll see you soon.

Angelica watched as Bullwinkle was led away by the deputy. She turned and looked at her father. Daddy? Is my Bullwinkle going to be okay? Can we bring him home soon? I want to have Christmas with him too

He smiled at the little girl. Daddy is going to do everything he can, I promise.

Angelica looked at her father and put her hands on her hips. Now I know I’ve heard you say that before to mommy and that isn’t an answer. She looked up at her mother. Don’t you always say to daddy when he says that, that you inquire a yes or no answer?

She smiled at the little girl. The word is require, not inquire and yes we do need a yes or a no answer. Monica looked at her husband. Well?

Daniel looked at his wife but his smile had disappeared. He had done his best and was sure that most of the charges would be beaten. His closing argument had been well prepared and put enough reasonable doubt on some of the charges and circumstances and instances that should persuade some of the jurors to his side but even with all of that there was still a chance that some of the charges would hold fast. Even with all that the five-year-old would not and could not comprehend the complications of the trial. She knew one thing and one thing only. Bullwinkle was her friend and he was a good boy and needed to come home. In her eyes, there was no other argument.

You go on home now with mommy and I’ll let you know as soon as something happens. He looked at his wife. I’ll call you as soon as I can.

Come on sweetheart. We have to get home and you need a nap.

Awww. I don’t need a nap. I’m not tired. I want to stay here to find out what happens. I don’t want to go home yet. Angelica looked at her father. Why can’t I stay and wait with you? Please!

It may be a while or even tomorrow baby. Just go on home and I’ll see you later.

Fine! Angelica turned around and took her mother’s hand. There really is no disgusting things with him, is there mother?

She laughed out loud. No there isn’t sweetheart and the word is discussing not disgusting but sometimes disgusting is a good word too.

Daniel looked at his daughter and then at his wife. Really Monica! He pointed at Angelica. Where did she learn to talk like that?

I don’t know. Probably from listening to you. She gave her husband a wink and took the child by the hand and walked out of the courtroom.

Father Rayne was making his rounds at the hospital and stopped in at the Chapel. He had to admit to himself that his faith had faltered on occasion and that his worldly education seemed to take over. Not exactly pious or priestly but the world around him never seemed to be very pious either. So much tragedy and pain in this place. He sometimes wished he was back on the streets of Chicago where things were very clear. There was still a lot of pain and misery but it just seemed easier to deal with. There were gangs, drugs, alcohol and all forms of debauchery but in this place, it was different. So many children, so sick with no hope and it didn’t seem to matter how many prayers went up by so many people, they all seemed to die anyway.

Then this kid comes in with his long hair and beard, leather vest and riding a Harley. With one short prayer, the whole place goes topsy-turvy. It was crazy. A sweet child is all but miraculously healed and the faith of many is restored, including himself. Now that kid is fighting for his life. He had died and for whatever reason, spiritual or physical, his heart started to beat again. Was it another miracle or just the strength of youth?

The priest sat down on the front pew and rubbed his knees. Things just don’t work like they used to and there seems to be new pains every day. Heart burn was becoming more frequent also. If this is aging gracefully, he thought, then I will take just a grace from God and skip the aging grace. A smile came over his face. I’ll take Amazing Grace over aging grace any time.

He looked up at the cross on the wall. Lord forgive this old man. My lack of faith and my trust in the world. I ask You for more strength, Yours and not mine. All things are in Your mighty hands and I ask You for the wisdom to reach out to You and not lean on my own understanding. I ask You humbly to raise up that young man. I don’t know Your will in this matter but I ask You to give us, me, the strength to accept whatever You have decided. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus.

He got up and started to make his rounds again, humming the tune to Amazing Grace when his phone rang. He looked at it but did not recognize the number. He decided not to answer it. If it’s important they will leave a message. He put it back in his pocket and started to continue his rounds when it rang again. It was the same number again. Okay. It must be important.

Darius Rayne speaking.

"Father. This is Daniel Maxwell. Do you remember who I am?"

Of course, Mr. Maxwell. How is our little angel doing?

She’s doing just fine father but I’m calling because I have a message for you. Bullwinkle would like you to come and see him if at all possible.

Absolutely. Do you know if it’s urgent or can it wait till later this afternoon after I am finished with my rounds?

I don’t believe it’s urgent but then I’m not sure what he wants to talk about. He probably wants to know how Paul is doing or maybe it’s a spiritual reason. He didn’t say one way or the other.

Father Rayne looked at his watch. I think maybe I should go now. If you would be so kind and send me whatever information I need to see him, I’ll be on my way shortly.

I’ll have my office email you all the information you need immediately. There should be no problem.

How’s it going? The trial I mean. How’s it looking for him? Father Rayne asked hopefully. I know there must be a great many issues that you have had to deal with but I believe that he is a changed man.

I agree but even a changed man must pay for his past and he has quite a past. I believe most of the charges will be dropped but he may still be facing prison time. I wanted him to plead out but he said no. He said he put his trust in God and a jury, something he had never done before, and would accept whatever the system dropped on him. It’s all in the jury’s hands now.

Well I think maybe it’s all in God’s hands now. I’ve seen some miraculous things happen lately, things that are totally unexplainable by human standards and I don’t believe I would be surprised by anything else at this point. Well anyway, we will know shortly.

Could you call me and let me know what you discussed with Bullwinkle?

If I can but there may be a confessional issue that I could not discuss. I hope you understand that.

I understand but I also have a lawyer client privilege and anything you told me would be covered under that. I think that might give you an option if you think it would help him. I do believe legally and spiritually we are working for the same purpose.

Now that sounds just like a lawyer and I might have to take that under spiritual consideration. Father Rayne laughed. I’ll be in touch. God bless you my son.

Father Rayne decided to check on Paul one more time before he went to see Bullwinkle. He was hanging tough but in his condition things can change in a heartbeat. He entered Paul’s room and stood at the door for a moment. He had been in this position many times but it always left him in awe of the medical technology that was before him. The young man was in a drug induced coma. A ventilator helped him breath and there were IV’s in each arm. His chest was open to allow drainage but it was covered to block infection. If this tragedy had occurred even 15 years earlier, Paul would be dead. As it was he had beat the odds and was improving daily. It had been just past two weeks since the shooting and it would be at least another month before the doctors would be sure he would be out of danger. Until then and even after he is in God’s hands. No better place to be. Father Rayne said softly.

He’s still hanging in there father. Said a nurse as she walked past the priest to check the machines. It’s rather remarkable that he has lasted this long, don’t you think?

Miraculous my dear, simply miraculous. He smiled at the young nurse. Wouldn’t you agree?

I suppose but I don’t really believe in that sort of thing. I used to a long time ago but being around here has… She shrugged as she walked past the priest. Well you know how it is.

Father Rayne watched her and made a mental note to have lunch with nurse Bethany one afternoon. Satisfied that Paul was in stable condition for now, he went to his office made a few phone calls and checked his email before heading to the Clark county lockdown.

It wasn’t difficult for Father Rayne to get in to the lockdown area. He was told that Daniel Maxwell had arranged for the visitation. As Father Rayne was escorted through the system, he took note of everything he saw and put it in another mental file cabinet that he must visit this place again. Some of the young men in here reminded him of when he was working the streets of Chicago.

He was escorted to a private room and sat at a single table with two chairs. He looked up and saw a camera and asked the guard. Will this meeting be recorded or listened to in any way?

The Sheriff’s deputy shook his head. Not if you say that we can’t. Can I ask the nature of this visit?

Mr. Bullvine requested this visit. I must then assume that this is either a spiritual matter or a clinical matter. Either way I will require the professional courtesy of not being recorded. But I suppose I could make a phone call to Mr. Bullvine’s lawyer and have him straighten all this out.

That won’t be necessary Father. Have a seat and the inmate will be brought to you shortly.

Father Rayne watched as the deputy walked out of the room and sat patiently waiting for Bullwinkle. He was only there a few minutes when Bullwinkle was escorted into the room. He had to smile at the site of the huge biker wearing an orange jumpsuit. He stood up and extended his hand which was met by Bullwinkle’s. They sat down across from each other and for a moment neither spoke.

I kind of don’t know where to start with this. Bullwinkle shifted in his chair a little. This is kind of weird for me, I mean talking to a priest like this. I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.

Father Rayne shrugged his shoulders. I’m not sure what kind of impression to get yet as I don’t know why you wanted to speak to me but it makes no difference. We can discuss anything you want.

I think the first thing I want to know is how Paul is doing. That’s the biggest thing for me right now.

I would have to say remarkably well. He is still, however, in a drug induced coma but that isn’t anything to worry about. The doctors tell me he is getting stronger every day and hopefully in a week or so he will be brought back to consciousness. His condition is stable and every day is a blessing but you realize that there’s still a danger. Infection is the biggest enemy now. Father Rayne put a smile on his face. But I wouldn’t worry about that my son. I have faith that he will recover completely. This whole episode has been a remarkable boost in my faith as well. Rest easy, he is in God’s hands. Father Rayne leaned back in his chair and folded his hands over his ample stomach. So now that that is out of the way, perhaps you would like to tell me why you want to speak to me? If it is a spiritual matter I would be happy to talk to you but isn’t there a prison chaplain?

Bullwinkle just grinned. No offense to your kind but that guy is a moron. I tried to talk to him my first couple of days here and it was like talking to a script. He was nothing but a punk, maybe 30 years old, didn’t know squat. I need some answers and I don’t know you that well but Paul seemed to trust you, that’s good enough for me.

Well…I’ll try not to be a moron or a punk. The priest laughed. "Let me give you a little background on myself that may help reassure you. Before I came here I was part of a street mission in Chicago. We dealt mostly with young people in gangs so I have a lot of experience in that area. My experience with motorcycle clubs was limited but I am not completely ignorant of your protocols. And I do understand the phrase respect given is respect earned." Father Rayne now showing a serious side asked. So now how may I help.

Bullwinkle fidgeted in his chair some. I don’t know how to talk about this. I was hoping that Paul would help me along but he can’t do it now. I’m like totally confused about this whole Christian thing. Paul was solid. You know what I’m talking about?

Father Rayne nodded. Yes I do. Paul was very confident in his faith and comfortable with his surroundings. Very rare for a young man.

Bullwinkle nodded. Yeah man. That’s what I mean. He always had an answer for everything. Now I ain’t got no one to bounce my questions off of and I got a lot of them. Like I mean, what happened just a few days after I came to this place. I mean, like, I’ve been in lockdown before so nothing there was a surprise, especially when one of the inmates wanted to impress me right away. It was cool. I mean, I understood what was going down, but I never expected the way I would respond.

Could you be more specific. Father Rayne had learned long ago to listen intently and completely to anyone he was counseling, spiritually or emotionally, for the hidden words and meanings. He was also aware to watch closely to body language. He could tell that Bullwinkle was definitely confused but not by his surroundings. Please continue.

Well like I said, this dude gets in my face right off. No sweat cuz I’m ready for it. He starts out talking trash, playing the game and so on. Now normally, back in the day, I would have none of that crap. I would just start swinging right off and that would be that. Confused look comes over his face. But I don’t do that. Instead I, man this was crazy, I back down. Bullwinkle stood up and started walking around the room when a voice came over the intercom.

"Stay in your seat. Do not get up again. You know the rules."

Bullwinkle looked up at the speaker and nodded. Yeah I know. I forgot. He sat down. He looked across at the priest and spoke very softly. Can they hear us? I don’t want him to hear us.

Father Rayne shook his head. I have asked them not record this session and legally they cannot so don’t worry about what you say, I am the only one who will hear it. But having said that I must have you know that your attorney, Mr. Maxwell, did ask if I would share with him what we talk about if it was pertinent to your case. You have any objections said that?

Bullwinkle sat there and stared up at the ceiling silently thinking. Yeah I don’t know. I guess it would be okay. I mean like he’s trying to help me too. He looked straight the priest nodded. Yeah, it’s cool. Satisfied with his decision he looked at the priest. What was we talking about?

We were discussing your encounter upon your arrival.

Oh yeah. I remember now. So, this guy moves forward on me and he’s about to lay hands on me. I’m here to tell you that normally that ain’t happening, no way, no how is this dude going to put a hand on me. I’m going to mess him up but now this is the scary part. Bullwinkle starts to stand up again but looks up at the camera and sit back down. I don’t do nothing. Not only do I not do nothing I asked the guy, now get this, I asked this guy to not bother with me. I don’t want no trouble. Bullwinkle opens up his arms, his eyes wide. I DON’T WANT NO TROUBLE! Bullwinkle stares at the priest. I don’t want no trouble? I always want trouble. I like trouble, I love trouble, I live for trouble. He shakes his head. This is very troubling. I don’t understand it. I wish I had Paul here. I know he would come up with something from the Bible or something to help me with this. This is crazy man! Since I started this Christian thing I’m all wacked out with doubt. It’s like I got this Angel on one shoulder and devil on the other shoulder. He kind of smiles. You know like in the cartoons. The good guy bad guy thing. Well it seems like I can only hear the good guy and he’s kicking the bad guys butt. He sits back in the chair heavily. "I can’t make no sense of this. You