A Bhuddist Fell

into quiet conversation with an atheist,
who was desperately keen
not only to be accepted in his belief,
but that he should be accepted
purely on his own terms.

After some time the atheist's arguments
grew circular and repetitve.
Tired of being urged to convert,
the bhuddist fell quiet.
When finally he was asked for his thoughts
he replied 'My friend let us meet in my next life,
If then you are still an atheist,
let me remind you of this time-
it will help you recall your previous lives'.

At this the atheist fell silent,
the ardour of his belief faded
in recognition of a circular
otherness, beyond himself....

Choice in Disbelief

'When I told the people of Northern Ireland
that I was an atheist, a woman in the audience
stood up and said, 'Yes, but is it the God
of the Catholics or the God of the Protestants
in whom you don't believe?'-Quentin Crisp