An Atheist Shakes the Bishop's Hand

The ring depicts a promise of fidelity. I smile as you stand in your cloak. That headgear is the symbol of the tongues of fire. I smile as you receive that formal mitre, while that pastoral staff is a shepherd's crook. I smile as I know that staff will be used to smite a great oaken door. I smile as I hear that resonant bong; I see that ring with its diocesan crest. You say you will pledge yourself to those who gaze. A ring on that hand, that hand holds a staff, the staff smites a door. I smile as a non-believer, though it is a smile of great affection. (7 May 2024)