The Temple

Some of you may remember when I first posted this poem … it was in March of this year. Now that on Monday I am facing the possibility of another medical crisis, I post it again while asking myself where I went wrong. I’m a non-smoker. I drink a little wine once or twice a month and an occasional beer. So what the heck … anyway, here are my thoughts in verse.

The Temple

The temple, from the outside,
looks good—
well preserved,
considering its age
and the wear and tear it has endured.

But, when science ventures inside
and tells me of the scarring,
the damage,
and the graffiti of a lifetime,
I stop and wonder
where I went wrong,
where I failed
and why I did not notice soon enough,
or know enough to care for this temple precious?

Why was I not aware before
of the damage being done,
and the abuse unintended?

I am not ready yet
to implode this temple into the dusts of time.
I have so much more to do—
I must make amends,
make well this human edifice
that I have so long neglected.

Vi Jones
©March 8, 2006