No Matter

I dream
in my waking as well as in my sleeping.

Memories fill my brain and
love and hate fill my heart.

Intentions desire and guilt and pride
guide my steps and my plans.

Poems and paintings
pleasure and pain call me to ponder
meaning, significance.

Yet no matter how lofty my thoughts
may rise, I realize

I am a creature. A mammal.
I hunger, I sleep, I die.

Lent

It began when my good husband
suggested the most ironic Lenten sacrifice.
"I think maybe this year,
I'll give up Church."

My mind is reeling.