what if we started here, in a cathedral
large epic architecture surrounding us
would it communicate the ordered intensity of the universe
or the hateful burden of dogma

what if this was not a cathedral, but maybe a beach
would you enumerate the grains of sand
and correlate that to the number angels that fell from heaven
or would we make love on the maroon Navajo blanket
or fight about the wearing of sunscreen

what if this was, let's say, a forest
lush as only the Pacific Northwest can be
green and brown and the clarity of rain
would we hike amid ancient sylvan giants
or, tripping on roots, would we tear our pants and bleed freely

perhaps we should start in a small wooden church by the sea
it incorporates all of the best elements
we would stroll awkwardly hand in hand between the pews
our cloths catching on hymnals and the communion cup holders
to the window facing the sea
we would kneel there praying for so long
our knees would splinter and our backs would ache
God would be seen in the sea
God would be seen the humble wood of this Baptist church
it can be a Presbyterian church
if you are afraid we have not
gotten rid of enough of the dogma yet
God would be seen in how gently we treat each other
and in the sincerity of our entreaties
for peace
and healing
and humble personal absolution
the blood on the cross is a sunset
as we raise up we both think this thought
and smile as this is the best we can do with our lives