Val contemplates

it is true as you say, dear lilith that you have done nothing save being practical. and i pour upon you the gravest of judgement because of ideals not proven, save faith. and yet not one law did you transgress! seduction is not illegal, a little showy perhaps, but the guys like it. and you tuck that gold coin and place it next to the cross. secular religion, it is little wonder these days no one is astonished with religion when all of us are in it together how quick the memory fades, when faith does not quench fire, nothing does and you are right, if heaven is real, why do i lament? is god not enough? so i respectfully dwindle in speech, for if heaven were real, why do i grumble like an old man whose bones are not aching with pain? and you see - as i see - we all see. if heaven and hell were real, why do i lament?