Burn bright they “say,”

with the expectation that

I should listen to them.

Why

devote myself to old writings,

written by 2, 0 0 0-year-old men,

when I can devote myself to medicine and science?

Why

kiss the hands of bishops and imams,

when I can feast in pork and the forbidden fruit?

Why

should I listen to people

who carry their values and wisdom in a box

that has holes in it

Why

Should I listen to those who say

lust is prohibited

Yet they themselves are found guilty of just that

Well, to them I say forget the church

I will deny the ocean of creed

I will not mask my thoughts

I will not shimmer to the danger of rebellion

for I know rebellions have transformed deep winters to warm summers

So when they say burn bright,

with the expectation that I should just listen to them,

 I’ll just laugh