I don't know if Jim ever got a reply. But his letter to Joan did inspire a poem. His letter, and the poem, are on the web at
http://www.poetsroads.demon.co.uk/unholy3/JoansPearl.htmlI am not sure Joan would have liked her poem any more than the letter, though. What do you think?
A PEARL FOR JOAN
Wandering lonely, weaping and mourning,
trudged the poor rich kid, Ashram to Ashram.
Her plight, a sad sight, broadcast a warning
- I'm so godhungry I'm dying, I am.
So plucked by THAT love, THAT destination,
to live in holy perfection for ever,
Greater than God! Lord of Creation!
So said Joan then. But now she says Never!
Rawat's not THAT, though I still cheer the fraud,
as a good master who's helping me see.
I feel we explore; it's not all explored.
Yeah, Joan still cheers for the lying genie.
Like him she's a liar -- then or right now.
And in this, Joan's Pearl, the world can see how.
Copyright 2000 John Tucker.
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