Robin--
I am so happy you posted this poem, though for reasons having nothing to do
with religious poetry. I read it in the summer of 1985 when I was studying
at Edinburgh University as part of the Scottish Universities International
Summer School. (I think that was the name.) I took the section on 20th
century Scottish literature, which introduced me to a whole bunch of writers
that I wish I could say I'd kept up with, not to mention Scottish literature
in general, but, you know, life and time got in the way....
On the subject of relgious poetry, though, I'd like to offer one of my own.
By way of explanation, for those who don't know, the first two and
four-fifths lines are a version of the first lines of the Talmudic tract
usually called in English Ethics of the Fathers:"
Ethics Of The Fathers
"Moses received the Torah from Sinai
and passed it on to Joshua, who gave
it in his turn to The Elders, and love
or duty, or maybe both, explain why
we still hand it down, even if we die
doing so. The Church burned us alive,
the Romans did worse...but you who give
yourselves to goyishe women, you lie
with their gods as well, and so we cast you out."
The rabbi paused, whispered "Come back," left
the stage. No applause. Behind me, a man laughed.
Beside me, a woman squirmed in her seat.
In love, my love, I've given myself to you,
neither god nor goddess, and not a Jew.
Rich Newman
-----Original Message-----
From: Poetryetc provides a venue for a dialogue relating to poetry and
poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Robin Hamilton
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 5:19 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Religion 1 -- "The Good Thief"
THE GOOD THIEF
heh jimmy
yawright ih
stull wayiz urryi
ih
heh jimmy
ma right insane yirra pape
ma right insane yirwanny uz jimmy
see it nyir eyes
wanny uz heh
heh jimmy
lookslik wirgonny miss thi gemm
gonny miss thi GEMM jimmy
nearly three a cloke thinoo
dork init
good jobe they've gote thi lights
AUTHOR: Tom Leonard
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