It appears to the naked eye
that all religions are self defeating.
Loving people is as painful
as the doctor’s stinging slap
across a baby’s bottom
so the child breathes, thus lives.
I never prayed in church
because there was too much static.
Prayer is an act of listening
not asking to be delivered from pain.
I listened to the pain love caused
and determined a path forward.
copyright © 2022 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 