Ash Wednesday

It's the only day of the year
Where you can pick out
The Catholics and Christians
On a crowded subway platform.

You see them standing there,
Ashes adorning the forehead
And you can't help but wonder:
Is it for real or for ritual?

How many of them actually
Believe in what's being
Celebrated in 40 days
Not counting Sundays?

How many not only believe
But actually practice the
"Treat people well" doctrine
That was taught 2000 years ago?

How many do it out of
Fear of a horrid afterlife?
How many do it regardless
Of there being an afterlife?
Would people still act good
If there were no punishments
Either in this life or if there is
A next one?

One can only wonder.