Gone Astray

a rant

 

Gone Astray

 

A solemn silence fills the space

 contained with cathedral walls.

 A sanctuary filled with grace

 But over it a shadow falls

 

There are few worshippers today

 and they’re engaged in private prayer.

Although the tourists make their way

 to see the wonders which are there.

 

They gladly pay the entrance fee

a charge imposed to help defray

the maintenance that has to be

 paid for. This is the only way.

 

the church authorities can find

the funds which are necessary.

Although the ancient rules defined

 access to worship should be free.

 

The churches now are businesses

and not what they were meant be.

It seems religion matters less

 to the presiding hierarchy.

 

Than making profits to maintain

these symbols of authority.

Although the signs are very plain

 Because they do not want to see.

 

That piety has less to do

with structures glorifying God.

Provided by the wealthy few.

 Who did not think it at all odd.

 

To see this as  their entry fee

to buy a place in paradise

A triumph for hypocrisy.

 I think today we are more wise.

 

No longer ruled by the dead hand

of church enforced religious laws.

We are entitled to demand

the church must find a different course.

 

The world has changed and so must they

We aren’t required to obey

church leaders who have lost their way.

And do not meet our needs today.

 

It matters not which creed you choose

they do not practice what they preach.

Their teachings are of little use

 If they don’t believe what they teach.

 

 Intolerance and bigotry

Fostered by narrow minded priests

are prevalent it seems to me.

Truth does not matter in the least

 

21-Nov-08

 

http:// blog.myspace.com/poeticpiers

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

I think the first two stanzas resonated the most deeply for me but the entire piece is strongly penned, with a powerful message.

[Syke]

Second line of the first stanza has seven syllables, was it supposed to be within perhaps; second line of the second stanza has 9 syllables, you might want to take out the 'and'; the last two lines of the third stanza are split rather awkwardly; and the period at the end of the third stanza should probably be removed, other wise, it's very good! I LOVED IT! It's a subject that crosses boundaries and is an important thing int he modern world, or even not so modern world. It really was a great poem, and my minor corrections are there so you can fix them, not as some sort of insult.

[clau]

Your writing is very logical. The church's actions are wrong. Preaching should always stay free. Your poetry are always well written and make a lot of sense. I enjoy your work!