Hey Jill,
You said
"I find that churched folks have an easier time dealing with the explicit sexuality in my work than secular people have, dealing with the Jesus."
Yes. I am a secular person who has a harder time with the Jesus stuff. So, please talk about that aspect of your work! I am fascinated with religion. If you can, please talk about how your relationship with God influences your work. I can see that it energizes you and drives your poetry. I know I am asking a huge question, but I think so many people would like to understand folks relationship to God in respect to their writing (shifting to third person here!) Oh hell, should I just send you a private message? Is this question too big?
Cally asked "What are you afraid of?" I had dinner tonight with an old dear friend and we discussed that question at length. Jill, you said that you are afraid of God. Can you say what you mean by that?
Mark A. posted a great piece about the body and the soul, via Whitman and Lawrence. I loved it. Something like: "Soul! You get back where you belong!" Yes.
I find Poetry helps to answer these big questions.
My big question to you is "How does your belief in God influence your work?" And I know this question is too broad. Just give hints if you can.
++ Carol