human life, the humanity
of unborn babies
all our lives in this early
state

moral difference

die naturally,
proactively ending
sanctioning destruction
to save life, dangerous
territory

moral distinction

aborting for direct benefit
aborting for vague and indirect
purpose

saving lives
the cost of destroying
noble ends do not justify
any means

great promise
great peril
great care

I pray
we wait for the
Amen

her calm, soothing voice.
my indignant response.

after-dinner drink
B&B;, Benedictine
martinis before
beers with
a habitual personality.

I was running
my system of the poisons.
bourbon by myself
becoming my god

how to reflect better his will...
the nature of temptation
the love of earthly pleasures
the love of god
summon the will

freshness
faded
temptation
drink
intense
my body
craved

I ran harder
longer, my body
screaming

momentum on my side
my convictions took shape
the strength of love, the
power of faith, and the
truth

I am the first son
"...you've arrived,"
he said with a smile
"I can throw it to you..."

our way of life,
under attack
I described the brutality
you are with me
I would have to do more
rise to meet it
before dawn
full speed all day

Sleep did not come easily.
the grief, the heroism
raced toward the flames
a figure silhouetted
breathing heavily

it was one of ours