The Epiphany

When I think about someone, I wonder about their lives

What fuels their desires?  How tough is their life?

If I see through their eyes

If I feel empathy for their hearts

I may just pray to that hidden god

A split second prayer overflowing with hope

Preceding that prayer

I cannot help feeling good

I deny myself faith in a god

not out of contempt or disbelief

but because I can

It does not steal hope from me

or fill me with cynicism

I feel empty

only when I need an explanation

Not "why" or "how"

but "when"

I look forward to the future

hope for happiness and love

struggle and understanding

god does not help me here

My willingness to understand is my instrument

My proficiency is a life-long experiment