Comparative Religion 101
The plaintive notes of Telemann’s oboe
as if perched on a tree outside her window
a slight breeze stirring like a harp
God’s breath blowing from the lungs of clouds
His fingers conducting from the stars
On the lawn children are playing
Where is God? asks Esther, skirts flying
as she swings back and forth
Up there points Rupert, mounted on a rocking horse
I can’t see him says Esther
That’s because you’re Jewish, my Dad says
Jews only look for money, Jews killed Jesus you know
Esther wrinkles her nose, shakes her head
You see, Jews don’t know anything says Rupert
But I can hear someone, she looks up again swinging higher
Listen, can’t you hear that beautiful music
she pushes her legs vigorously, I think he’s singing in Hebrew
Rupert grimaces, I can’t hear music – that’s just
a blackbird in the tree
Lunch is ready children, calls Esmerelda
from her window, looking down
pleased the kids are not fighting today. Must be
that Telemann sonata she thinks. Always gives
me such a heavenly feeling