scattered reflections
My friend and brother Juan wrote the following poem that seems to me to be the distillation of many books on the subject. I think it is beautiful and nourishing. I didn't ask his permission to post this because he may be too humble to allow it. So Juan, if you see this, I ask your forgiveness.
ONE FLESH
Sex is
An afterthought
In marriage
Good family
And good medicine
Are the trophies
Of the bedroom
by Juan Martinez
About this picture - that's me "playing" a banjo my maternal great-Grandfather made out of a cake tin, wire, and wood. I understand he was quite amazing with his hands, especially when it came to wood. He whittled the neck, bridge, and tuning posts of my banjo. The thing actually worked, and sounded kinda like a banjo. What a sweet gift that was. "Give rest, O Lord, to the soul of Thy servant who has fallen asleep." Memory eternal great-Grandad! Somehow I’ve suffered no permanent harm from the pointy things in life by the grace of God and the help of my beloved wife Macrina, our Church, my children, extended family, friends, and even enemies and demons (unwittingly). I'm known as Reader Nectarios in the Eastern Orthodox Church, an electronic engineer at work, a singer-songwriter in some circles, and as a member of a mostly-idle pop band called The Strawmen. It's all related, somewhat confusing, and good for me.
