Initiation

[heslopian]

"I'm the best parent", said God,
"I don't spank or call kids names.
I won't smash your self esteem
so as to reinforce my own."

He poured Himself another drink,
His cummerbund came loose,
outside the study door
talk flittered like distant birds.

"All the beauties of the earth
and everything which waits beyond,
apple trees devoid of root,
love making devoid of end,
could be wrapped like toys
and given you on your deathday.

And what can mortals offer you?
A childhood of slamming doors,
penny pinching, sacrifice,
disapproval at whatever you do
(which some use Me to justify).

Hand over your care to Me,
repent when repentance is due,
and all the suffering you feel
will one day be repaid with life."

The boy picked the flower poked through his lapel
by his mother that evening.
He remembered being told to shush
by his father in the car.
The teacher who with kindly hand
patronised his penmanship.

And signed over his soul to God.