Naming Truth

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

War is social dysfunction, political pathology.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Welcome to our life. You know what it’s like: some pain and struggle, but much more joy, mystery, wonder, and pleasure.

Welcome to our life. You know what it’s like: a chance for adventure, creativity, faith and love.

Welcome to our life. You know what it’s like, so we say “You are welcome to our life.”
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:

“As art, The Passion of the Christ has no redeeming value.”
[Probably true, but He did not say it.]

D. Blog: What's In A Name?

[Sent To: Managing Editor
A Poetry Anthology, to remain nameless]

It’s My Name, Really

Ron Martin-Adkins, with a hyphenated last name, really.
Not so complicated, I should think, really.
Just the way it’s printed on my submission, no mistake, really.
I typed it just the way it is on my driver’s license, really.
Also shows like that on credit cards, bank cards, social security card,
employee i.d. badge, bank statements and listing in the white pages, really.

Ron Martin-Adkins, really hyphenated, you know?
As in combined, really joined together?
Is it really so confusing when it’s clearly so on the page?
But you remain confused, really need an explanation?
.
Quite simple, really.
An Adkins and a Martin decided to wed, two becoming one, really.
They merged their lives; she did not submerge hers in his, really.
A new family name emerged: he’s a Martin-Adkins, she’s a Martin-Adkins, really.
Both names changed as both lives changed, really.
Diverging now after more than 20 years seems impossible, really.

Would you really change the wording of my poetry?
Then why my name, I really wonder?
Or do you really mean to give the copyright to a person I do not know?
I suppose not, but I can’t agree to your offer until I really know, you know?

Ron Martin-Adkins (really!)