Jean-Marie Lee

The Blue Marble
Ca. 1972
image taken by the Apollo 17 astronauts on their way to the Moon

Here is the poem.

So lately, it’s talking to God
And it’s about loving everyone
To love someone who thinks
Too much, mentally crippling —a crutch

We’re asked to love our neighbor
We’re asked to love our enemy
It’s like I finally understand
Just how offensive I’ve been

But then again if —I’m asked
Shouldn’t everyone reciprocate
What if I shattered crystals
With a San Damiano exclamation

What if I request expulsion
Of darkness from a pendulum
Attempting to decide my fate
Answering yes or no questions

Consent and curtesy of requests
Please stop, begging you —please stop
And who am I to judge
When knowing a wrong is wrong

So lately, it’s talking to God
And it’s about loving everyone
To love someone who thinks
Too much, mentally crippling

Desperately seeking to fall asleep
All I’ve ever realized to be
Perfunctory claims as “known”—
I’ll probably believe that one’s

Happiness is satisfying triumph
Prevailing tremendous hardship
Never shamed into isolation
Never unable to appreciate

While questioning sincerity
May only lead to accusations
And a peace offering shrugged
Was better off in prayer

I’ll take the wax —prayerfully
Allowing it to burn —light another
To burn a prayer —keeping vigil
Serene chaos is merely peace

So lately, it’s talking to God
And it’s about loving everyone
To love someone who thinks
Love someone who thinks too much

XOXO! JML

About Nicodimus— patron Saint of Curiosity