Pragmatic

 When young I was an Atheist,
 Yea, pompous as a pigeon
No opportunity I missed
 To satirize religion.
I sneered at Scripture, scoffed at Faith,
 I blasphemed at believers:
Said I: "There's nothing after Death,--
 Your priests are just deceivers."

In middle age I was not so
 Contemptuous and caustic.
Thought I: "There's much I do not know:
 I'd better be agnostic.
The hope of immortality
 'Tis foolish to be flouting."
So in the end I came to be
 A doubter of my doubting.

Now I am old, with steps inclined
 To hesitate and falter;
I find I get such peace of mind
 Just sitting by an altar.
So Friends, don't scorn the family pew,
 The preachments of the kirks:
Religion may be false or true,
 But by the Lord!--it works.

Form: Lyric Comments

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