20040930

postcard to an idol

Dearest Bea,

Virgil said I might write, to
inquire if the saints are jealous,
or the martyrs haze you for the
praise and adoration diverted
from the deserving Divinity to thee?
If you are ostracized by the beatified for
the lunatic laud, owed to God, my
sinner’s censer burns before your effigy?

Virgil wouldn’t say, my ignorance, he said,
beyond the scope of his guidance; ask you.

You should see the sinners down here, B,
with their craving eyes sewn shut! Even so,
glad you’re not here. Ha-ha. If we ever get
there, I guess it will be because I repented,
and love that Deity instead of a daughter
of man.

But, on the present ascent and
into the continuing climb, I’m humbled and
blest to remain, your,

“Deranged” Dan