I saw the Christian men, doing Christian things.
A martyr Larp for some, and yet others more genuine.

I told them I respected their courage, if not their faith.
This was not a lie. There is something admirable in conviction..

They prayed for me, hands on my shoulders..
To whom, and for what, I did not know, nor did I care.

But a man should know what he would die for, and then live for it.

These Christians are simple people but not completely without a point, nor without some warmth.

I’ve met worse Christians than these..
..They’ve met worse heathens than me.

My Dear, If you were a rock, you’d be a Hagstone
And I’d wear you around my neck to ward away evils and bring me good fortune..

My Friend, If you were water  you would be a Fairy Pool
And I’d visit you, drink from you, and have revealed hidden knowledge..

My Love,  If you were a tree you’d be a Birch, The lady of the woods
And I’d keep your bark in my haversack to guarantee a spark in the most miserable conditions..

The gods saw fit to make you walk, to sweat, to bleed, to speak for this short while, as they have for me.

So instead, I’ll keep a place for you in my heart and mind, where you can come and go freely
And through every life you pass through, may you ward off evils and bring good fortune, may you reveal hidden knowledge  and guarantee a spark in the most miserable conditions.

Happy Birthday, you rare and beautiful creature.

Icy are the roads we wander,
Making plans for summer and spring,
We *******, conspired and pondered
On things our futures might bring.

Sparks reflecting on water
The smell of smoke and sight of trees
Decades stolen and squandered
With no foreseeable ease

Too many months of darkness and rain
Replaced by silence and springs first smile
Thieves in the night do not steal your pain
No absolution, no peace, no reconcile

There is no comprehending the burden you carry
But I promise you will not be alone
And to the innocent that are buried
Forgive us, and wait for us, to find our way home.

“… Of course then there’s suicide.
It inevitably crosses the mind of any thinking person and I have seriously considered it,
But frankly, who can find the time?”