Orthodox priest, by Bennett Hart
A friend remarks to the prophet, Why is it
I always make bad business deals?
It's like a spell. I become distracted
by business talk and get led into wrong decisions.
Muhammad replies, Stipulate with every transaction
that you need three days to make sure.
Deliberation is one of the qualities of God.
Throw a dog a bit of something.
He sniffs to see if he wants it.
Be that careful. Sniff with your wisdom-nose.
Get clear. Then decide.
The universe came into being gradually
over six days. God could have just commanded: BE.
Little by little a person reaches forty and fifty
and sixty and feels more complete.
God could have thrown full-blown prophets
flying through the cosmos in an instant.
Jesus said one word, and a dead man sat up,
but creation usually unfolds like calm breakers.
