poem

From The Weather of the Heart, by Madeleine L'Engle. I thought of this when writing a recent thank-you to God (I had considered ending it "I hate you. / Love, Jen" but I decided it would have only been for humor and a chance to quote Madeleine, not what I really meant. So instead I quoted dianthus (like that makes it *much* more clear).)

The poem expresses feelings I have had; when I first ran across it I was aghast and liberated by the thought of openly expressing anger at God. Logically, it's obvious that God can handle anger (God created it). But emotionally it can be quite the surprise...

Love Letter

I hate you, God.
Love, Madeleine.

     I write my message on water
     and at bedtime I tiptoe upstairs
     and let it flow under your door.

When I am angry with you
I know that you are there
even if you do not answer my knock
even when your butler opens the door an inch
and flaps his thousand wings in annoyance
at such untoward interruption
and says that the master is not at home.

     I love you, Madeleine.
     Hate, God.

(This is how I treat my friends, he said to one great saint.
No wonder you have so few of them, Lord, she replied.)
( rest of the poem... )