G-d

In my culture G-d is respected 

overwhelmingly—we are to spell its name

with an indicative hyphen.

Nothing else respected split

Nothing else split respected.

Paths diverged: confusing, dividing,

endlessly revitalizes, stimulates, revivifies.

I am brought to them repeatedly.

Left—

Paved pathway, the dragging of my shoes

emit ever peaceful scrapes

that can heal every pitiful scar.

Prickly pine trees with eroding bark

picked by the children

who chose this path.

This peace helps recover.

God (I say with all deserved respect) is present

in the calm

Right—

Bumpy, jagged gravel.

The roar of interrupted silence,

harsh wind inhabiting the space between leaves.

Inclement weather, almost storming.

Rain intense, hurt inflicted

on those

who choose this road.

But, the challenge inspires growth.

God (again, said with no ill intent) is present

in the loud.

G-d can be found in both, 

I look in the intense and the peace.

It is foolish to look for it

in one.