Atheist Grace

About the Book

please buy my book

a man pulled out a short barreled gun
and forced me into the typical alley
to demand this poet’s precious briefcase

you fool i said and opened the worn bag
to show him books magazines and extra pens
my diary-journal and notes on scraps of paper

there’s nothing of real value in here
i’m a poet a thief just like you
unwilling to live at any dull job

he cursed his luck and started away
but i asked would you please buy my book
help me to be rich to devote more time to writing

that’s where you and me are different said the thief
if i’d the money i’d quit my trade
and he stole my book no honor among thieves

About the Author

Born in the Bronx, I have been orbiting the Sun since 1951. I grew up, but very slowly, mostly in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I was an average student whose academic education petered out about midway through college. Although I endured lots of jobs in my youth, since 1979 I have supported this writing habit and other pleasures by working for AT&T as a Communications Technician. I am presently enjoying a successful second marriage, and this time it was a package deal that included two kids, now grown. I am a practicing Peripatetic Minister of Secular Humanism.