God. It’s all so one-sided. Generally, we are careful not to offend those who believe in a religion, but shouldn’t that work both ways? I get very annoyed when someone asks me if I believe in god – as if god was a given, and you either believed in “him” or not. For me, there is no god or goddess or godhead to be believed in or otherwise and when I give this answer I get two different reactions:
Some people become defensive and really angry and begin to harangue you with arguments to prove the fact of a god; they tell you that one day you will know the truth and that they feel sorry for you. They tell you to look around you, at the wonders of nature, the intricacies of the human body etc.
Or, they pretend to be amused; they wag a finger at you and laugh and say that god has not forgotten you; worst of all – they promise to pray for you. Their arrogance and complaisance and condescension, their bigotry and utter stupidity is incredible. and it never occurs to them that they might give offence. As my father used to say about these people – they’re as well raving there as in bed.
All the same, when I was a child I did have faith and here is my nostalgic poem:
THERE WAS A TIME
In the dim, silent church
A glow of votive lamps
Fluttering blue and gold and red
Whispered prayers in corner shrines
Beneath the outstretched hands
Of painted saints
Beads clicking, slowly told
Sundays burst in glory
Sweet choir lifting voice
The Truth sang in my mouth
I filled my eyes with bright
And lustrous threads
The golden flame of candles
Veiling mysteries at the altar
The heavy scent of flowers
Inhaled security
And a weightless peace
In certain knowledge of hereafter
Our hearts were warm, absolved
Beloved of our maker
And safe in the house of God.
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