The Atheist

 

 

                         I have learned to be alone

                         it takes a special talent

                         only Socrates was his own best friend

                         to buttress my faith

                         I have four locks on my front door

                         to keep out the spirits

                         and other evil friends

 

 

                         My sweet tooth sucks the lollipop

                         I hug my aloneness

                         a little teddy bear to fill the picture

                         when it comes time to settle accounts

                         who shall I talk to?

 

 

                         Myself of course

                         That’s part of the deal

 

 

 

                                                      Jack Mashman

                                                      1991