POEM: Scraps of Heaven

Half asleep,
With my nose and lips in my little boy's hair,

I find a scrap of

Eternal Heaven.

They speak of Heaven as

Ecstasies amidst immaculate perfection,

Celestial banquets that never end

Enchanting music and dancing

Perfect beauties, perfect surroundings

Foods that satiate the soul

Drinks that divinely intoxicate

Ah but why no mention of

The smell of a child's ruffled hair,

And the warmth of his body against yours

In a small bed, amidst children's clutter?

Well my good wishes, wise and virtuous men!

May you attain the perfect Heaven you desire

And may your quest for truth and wisdom
And your striving for virtue
Be fulfilling and fruitful.

As for me, I take my Heaven

Right here, right now

On earth, amidst the mundane

In bits and pieces,

Mixed with trivia and trash.

I, a ragpicker,

Look for these scraps of Heaven

And treasure them.