Opiate

For Marx, religion is the opium of the masses.
For me, religion is rehab; my opium is you.

On Lazarus (an email to the chaplain)

[What] could have [Lazarus] felt about rising from the dead? Did it seem he just woke up from a long slumber? Was he grateful for the second chance in life? Did he fear dying a second time? Was his soul already in heaven and was just summoned back? It seems Jesus wept because He felt for the bereaved, not because His friend Lazarus died for He knew his soul was already at peace in heaven. Maybe He was also sad and sorry that He had to let Lazarus die. Perhaps He was sorry for He was about to bring a soul, who was already in heaven, back to earth to physically experience a second death. And maybe He was saddened that due to the stubbornness of man He had to allow His friends and family to suffer and grieve. Most of us, after all, so did some of His apostles for that matter, need to see to believe. 21 March 2007

Ode to an Urn

Ashes to ashes Carbon and coal Flecks of flesh Burnt to the bone Dust to dust Light and lyre Fire in furnace Clouds and choirs 05 June 2007

Bereft

Hope they've made it to the great unknown With love and care that you've not shown Comfort the sick revel where you are Call the bereaved excuse: I'm so far Let go you were so you do the same Reach out you will so you'd remain sane Free will, forked roads you look back no more Forlorn, forgave but have not forsworn 31 May 2007

Antimastectomy

High grade mass the doctor said   He would remove my left breast     Told him off, perhaps he's wrong       False alarm! I feel so strong!       In five years will it grow back?     Cancer cells, don't you attack   Gamble I shall, much to pay What do I owe, woe, dismay? 28 May 2007