The Secular Man Speaks

Now hanging above the earth

Mindful only of a swirl of images

And spiritual drought

I have become dis-eased

Conscious of my acidic, bill-filled stomach

Car seat body, screen-screwed eyes

Tense, twittering neurons

In semi-sleepless nights.

This aging image needs Viagra,

The regular pump of a gym treadmill

A bronzing holiday or big lottery saviour.

I saw a hearse today

And wondered about the empty husk –

Those suited remains within that polished box

With it’s gilded handles

Transported in a black-bright limousine

Adorned with dying flowers

To an industrial burning centre.

What do I live for?

To whom do I give my allegiance?

Where and when did I lose

My child’s heart’s vision?

How much have I really love