Happy news from Jesus

A young man approached me
in the street
I have happy news from Jesus!
He said.
And I told him
I was into Buddhism
just so he'd leave
me alone.

But later
I regretted
not having discussed
the matter
with him,
not having asked
looking straight
to his face:
Is religion not merely a solace
a comfort
a refuge
where we hide
from disgrace?

Are we any happier
for having had prophets around?
Is our life on Earth
with its wars
and hatred and waste
any better?
Are hungry children
any fatter?




A prophet is a kind of poet
to me
so I believe in the former
as much as I believe in the latter.