An atheist’s prayer
Free of god-guilt weight
Free of what-Jesus-would-do worry
I make my way in a world clear of angels
and clean of miracles
Longing replaces prayer
Gently now, gently
can I love?
Am I allowed?
Do I have to wait until the world has time
has healed
has room for it?
Maybe I start from a distance
smiling at my favorite parts
noticing long enough to cherish
enjoying just as is
Can I love
without piercing hunger
without aching need
without the declaration that says MINE?
I blow you a silver dandelion
carefully imagine how we might begin
save the first-star-I-see for you
You take it
No, you
No, you
Help me put all the monsters to bed
Turn off the clock
I’ll inhale your admiration
gently.
Regina Rodriguez
January, 2004