Beware

Inspired by something Jesus said.

Pharisee kisses on silicone stigmata

Golden calves and dirty crowns sleeping in offering plates

All evil rooted in hungry wallets and dreams

Extreme moral deviations excused for contributions

 

 

Scripture braided like a tormentor’s whip

While lips drip angelic honey laced with demonic hemlock

Hate painted clean with paranoid elitism

Help the poor sinners by judging their souls, gentle damnation

 

 

Jesus is lost in translation

Translation eclipsed by interpretation

Blurted misrepresentations with no explanation

Victims destroyed in a Bible-bludgeoned nation

 

 

Speaking in tongues answers no questions

Confessing imperfections is stating the obvious

Judgment swings like butcher knife redemption

Trimming all things unaccepted, unattractive and undesirable

 

 

There’s no such thing as helpful hand grenades

Parades of saints trample paupers and tradesmen

Shouting vulgar prayers at so-called insurgents

Using sandy oil as blood cleansing detergent

 

 

Jesus stock is owned by rich people

Bank accounts as tall as their steeples

Waving sweatshop crafted flags, they swagger and brag

Of a nation riddled with plague, greed and confusion

 

 

 

“While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples,

"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

 

Luke 20:45-47

TNIV

Reviews

[Salvatore Buttaci]

Well done. I usually do not like rap-type poetry which tends to spew rhymes for its own sake, but this poem shows much talent on your part. Your choice of words help create images: the secret of good writing!

Sal