Why Should I? A Sijo Sequence


I.

Why should I pray to him – a violent god – when I want peace?

Why should I pray to him – a vengeful god – when I want mercy?

Why should I pray to him – a prejudiced god – when I want justice?

 

II.

Why should I pray to him – to a mere god – when there are trees and moths?

Why should I pray to him – to a mere god – when there is sky and soil?

Why should I pray to him – to a mere god – when there is grass and sea?


III.

Why should I pray to him – to a god your fathers’ fathers made up?

Why should I pray to him – to a god you love for his hatred?

Why should I pray to him – to a god who would forsake my sister?


Originally from rural, southern Kentucky, Rose Menyon Heflin is a poet, writer, and visual artist who lives in Wisconsin, where she enjoys capturing the world in words and images and helping others do the same.