Dispatches for the Colonial Office

LogoSophia Magazine – A Pilgrim's Journal of Life, Literature and Love

A Day of Gentle Rain after a Dry Spell

It is a cliché

For us to say

That rain is like a baptism, a gift of healing

It is a cliché

But still we say

This rain is like a baptism, a gift of healing

When the Death Penalty is Outsourced to Private Corporations - poem

Lawrence Hall

LogoSophia Magazine – A Pilgrim's Journal of Life, Literature and Love

When the Death Penalty is Outsourced to Private Corporations

“We’re re-structuring, so may God have mercy on your soul.”

“Thank you for your contributions to making our prison great again.”

“Going forward we’re looking for more technology.”

“You’ve been a great team player. You will be missed.”

“We’re investing in new production models”

“Our extended worker family is sure going to miss you.”

“We’re streamlining our operations.”

“You’ll be proud to know that your death chamber

- because, yes, it is your community death chamber -

Is positioned with great love and respect

On First Nations land repurposed for your spiritual experience.”

“We need a more agile workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs.”

“As part of our matrix of inclusivity

We’re processing more women, minorities,

And LGBTQ than ever before.”

“To lower our carbon footprint we’re presenting you

With an artisanal, hand-woven noose

Crafted from all-natural recycled fibers.”

“We’re accelerating into a new era of growth.”

“We know you will be impacted by 2,000 volts,

But our separation package is an industry best.”

“Our watchwords are compassion and imagination.”

“If you want a tranquilizer before the lethal drip

That cost will be deducted from your family’s survivor package.”

“Our sensitive and inclusive personnel officers

And transition specialists will walk with you

Every step of the way along the Green Mile

As you journey to your bright new future.”

“Oh…before you go…this just in from the personnel office –

They can arrange lateral transfers to I.C.E.

If you’re interested…

You’re not…?

I understand.”

Doggie-Kisses - DOGgerel

Lawrence Hall

LogoSophia Magazine – A Pilgrim's Journal of Life, Literature and Love

Doggie-Kisses

For all our little domestic carnivorous quadrupeds

“Love anything, even a small animal, and your heart will surely be broken.”

-C. S. Lewis

Her life is short, her nose is long

A dachshund’s bark is a merry song!

Her life is short, her body is long

And how her little paws pad along!

Her life is short, her ears are long

Her love is a happy ping to your pong

Her life is short, her tail is long

Her eyes are big, her heart is strong

Her life is short

But the memories –

O, the memories are long!

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Poems Three Times Each Day - poem

Lawrence Hall

LogoSophia Magazine – A Pilgrim's Journal of Life, Literature and Love

Poems Three Times Each Day

For the singers of songs and tellers of truth on HP

From ideas by Jackie and Nat

Most creatives frame each day with a liturgy

The Hours for some, Shacharit, Mincha, and Maariv for others

The musician gives glory through pulsing air

An artist with camel-hair brush blesses a canvas

A poem is a prayer, a Temple-offering of love

A Sh’ma, an Ave, the Eight-Fold Path

A chaplet of beads bidding welcome to all

A voice proclaiming Truth in the desert

Most creatives frame each day with a liturgy -

Thank you, dear friends, for sharing yours with me

Monday, April 27, 2026

How Old Are You? - poem

Lawrence Hall

LogoSophia Magazine – A Pilgrim's Journal of Life, Literature and Love

How Old Are You?

A question:

If you did not know how old you are

How old, then, would you say you are?

An answer:

I will go in to the altar of God.

To God who giveth joy to my youth.

And there you are

“How old…” – many attributions

“To God…” -Missale Romanum, Baronius Press, 2008

Sunday, April 26, 2026

For Those Who Long for the President’s Firing Squads - poem

Lawrence Hall

LogoSophia Magazine – A Pilgrim's Journal of Life, Literature and Love