86 - Catechism for Our Timr

Catechism for Our Time
By Gene Fendt

Who made you?
Desire 'made me.

Why did desire make you?
To know its power,
to serve it and never be satisfied.

What is the kingdom of desire?
Time,
and all of space.

Where is its capital?
In each heart.

Who is its king?
No one.

Is this kingdom rich or poor?
It is very rich. Having one product,
that it has in infinite supply.

What product has it?
Despair.

How is despair produced?
It is eternal, the only begotten
of desire itself. Whatever desire imports,
despair is exported; whatever desire exports,
this it imports.

Gene Fendt is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nebraska at Kearne His poems have appeared in numerous journals, including Theology Today, Puerto del Sol, Aethlon, and Anglican Theological Review.

87 - Catechism for Our Timr

Is this economy universal?
It holds only within the kingdom,
and in each capital.

Does desire have a temple?
Many in each capital,
so, an infinite and ever-growing number.

What are the names of God?
They are uncountable and various,
but his people are all one.

What is the name of his people?
Each one is called Narcissus.

In what does worship consist?
To drown oneself
and not to die.

What does God promise?
Never to answer.