He was a saint
    in his mind
humble and loving
like in Books he had read
rewards paid in gratitude
for imperfect deeds.

Was a sinner
    of body
lustful and vain
as in libertine tales
where pleasure was punishment
for willful abandon.

The conflict itself
is the concert of life
when each moment’s true
to its joys and its sorrows
through passionate presence
embracing the storms
that promise
    someday
our death.