Ode to Blair
A Pogue Ode – because church life does have its ups and downs
by Peter Thomson
On the occasion of Blair’s last service, January 2, 2022
Seventeen years ago we started the search
To find a new rector for St. Matthews church.
After months and months we began to lose hope
We didn’t want to settle for just any dope.
“Perhaps we should consider a new search plan,
Maybe we should look for a person who isn’t a man.”
Some thought that could be a real mess,
but, at least we could try and pay her less.
Joan Hershbell said, “That’s no way to save a dime.
Having a female rector is way past its time.
Plus, female rectors are really in vogue,
And, I’ve heard of one who’s name is Blair Pogue.”
“Well if we decide on one of these female mammalians
Could that possibly work for a church of Episcopalians?”
Joan said: “Now listen, her husband’s a priest and he’s part of the deal
Two for one at St Matthews’s would be a great steal.
His name is Dwight and though he is a bit odd,
If we chose Blair, we get both a man, and woman of God.”
“Well, Let’s bring her here and see what she’s like,
And hope she’s not Margaret Hamilton on a bike.”
Of course they all wanted to try and be fair
Right off the bat they thought she had really great hair.
“We’d like to know if you ever take to drink?”
“Only at the altar.” Blair replied with a wink.
“And may we ask if you also happen to sing?”
“Well, to be honest that’s not really my strong point, not really my thing.”
“Tell us your vision for St. Matthews; what’s your grand scheme?
How would you draw us closer together as a team?”
“Well; The singing I’ll leave to Michael Compton and the choir
And I’ll preach with Blair flare, brimstone and fire,
I might chime in on an occasional chorus.
I’ll invite Don Samuels to preach; he’ll never bore us.
We’ll use liturgies, that come from all over the earth.
And our language skills will have no dearth.
We’ll get together often and discuss every topic
Even in summer with temperatures tropic.
I’ll get some ham actor for the Palm Sunday Passion.
Have Rosa and Karen, feed us in grand fashion.
I’ll keep all the kids involved in Godly play,
And invite them downstairs when I preach on Sunday.
I’ll be a good steward of all church money,
And once in a blue moon, I’ll say something funny,
For there will be times, we’ll need to smile,
Particularly during stress, and pandemics viral.
Even as we feed the hungry at Dorothy Day,
We’ll shelter the homeless, even in the church hallway.
We’ll increase the size of St Matthew’s congregation
and keep pledges up with the costs of inflation.
We’ll have discernment with building blocks ad infinitum,
I’m a master with Post-It notes and know how to guide ’em.
We’ll renovate the kitchen and parish meeting hall,
And display beautiful art work on every wall.
And here’s an idea that’s sure to give a thrill,
Christmas pageants worthy of Ceil B. DeMille.
Baptisms, funerals, and weddings I’ll do too,
And never forget Beatrice Garabunda’s house of blue.
I’m sure this will bring us close to each other,
and better yet, even closer, to God our Mother.
All this I will do, and I say this without shame,
I’ll do it, if it won’t interfere with my tennis game.”
Well, quite unexpectedly, the interview went well.
And so has Blair’s time here, as all of us can tell.
So you see, choosing Blair, was really no fluke,
And best of all: We got to know Luke!
All you promised, Blair you’ve done for us, and more.
How blessed, and grateful are we that you passed through our door.
And as you leave us now there are no words we can say,
Except bless you and thank you, Blair, in every possible way.
