it is true as you say, dear lilith

that you have done nothing

save being practical.

and i pour upon you the gravest of

judgement because of ideals

not proven, save faith.

and yet not one law did you transgress!

seduction is not illegal,

a little showy perhaps,

but the guys like it.

and you tuck that gold coin

and place it next to the cross.

secular religion,

it is little wonder these days

no one is astonished

with religion when all of us are in it together

how quick the

memory fades,

when faith does not quench fire,

nothing does

and you are right,

if heaven is real,

why do i lament?

is god not enough?

so i respectfully dwindle

in speech,

for if heaven were real,

why do i grumble like

an old man whose

bones are not aching with pain?

and you see –

as i see –

we all see.

if heaven and hell were real,

why do i lament?