Practical Religion

[jisbell00]

Practical Religion

“For I will consider my cat Jeoffry.”
Christopher Smart


I learned that I was going to die,
one Easter morning, bright and clear.
I saw the sun rise in the sky,
serene, as if that sky were near.

Could there be dignity to this
journey through madness – with a man
who stands back up, though Nemesis
has come athwart the race he ran?

Or could it be we hear his voice
call up from under brick and stone –
out of the depths? We have no choice
but answer. We are not alone.


“This is the lamb that bears men’s sins.
So, drive him forth,” I hear them say.
“In his rejection health begins.
Make fast the gates. Put him away.”

If you live under lock and key
until some doctor lets you go,
you’ve lost your rights. That seems to me
regrettable, but good to know.

[CalebPerry]

This is a very appealing poem. The rhythms and words are lovely. I'll need to read it a few more times to fully grasp what you are saying, although it doesn't seem too complicated.

[jisbell00]

Thank you, Caleb, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

I do try to keep things simple, especially in tet where Hilaire Belloc is my model:

The chief defect of Henry King
Was chewing little bits of string.

Cheers,
John