Imperial Dove

If I were to die and go to heaven, I'd be flown up there by Imperial Pigeons. They have a heavenly air about them.

They call me to consider the concept of 'heaven', and the unrealistic notion of somewhere and something that is perfect. Perfection is unattainable, yet we so often strive for it. Or expect it of ourselves, and others.

Funnily, I almost removed this card from deck, because they went to print with the wrong name. They are actually Imperial Pigeons, not Doves. But given this bird speaks to honouring the imperfection of life, it’s all quite metta. Anyway, when in Cairns, this bird inspired me to write a poem.

What might heaven be like?
Will we have everything we need
Or will we still crave more more
Can we care for other people
If they're already cared for
Can we fall in love
If so, can our hearts be broken
Will sticks and stones break our bones
Can rotten words even be spoken
Can we try and then fail
Learning lessons to grow
Can we make errors in judgement
And have the scars to show
No not much is certain
About this place in the sky
Though I have quite a hunch
That both you and I
Will make it to heaven
And we arrive
We'll realise what a privilege
It was to be alive.