Reason A. Poteet Poet Narrative

Breakthrough Narrative

narrative poem

It was in the sixth month of the fifth year,
when B. Obama was the president.
I heard the loud noise of many actors -
singing praises, clapping hands in tribute.

Play-acting, cultured lines, memorized songs,
performed by men and women with spirit,
indistinguishable from sincere praise.
Drama entangled with reality.

It was the evening of the fourteenth day,
I had invited a friend out to eat.
A dinner and a show to celebrate
his retirement from a life of teaching.

The play was a homecoming church service;
it honored a pastor who was moving.
Though the scripted testimonies given
were heartfelt, I had a strange sensation. 

I kept seeing these same entertainers
in former plays as thieves and infidels.
Make-up, costumes, and props were authentic;
the audience applauded loud and long.

The next day, the fifteenth, was a Sunday.
Hurrying through breakfast, I bathed and donned
my good clothes and best vocabulary.
With Bible in hand, I headed to church.

As always, the praise songs and the scripture
were rehearsed, the bulletin was the script.
The program even listed times for prayer;
I offered my largest bill to the plate.

My worship was a measly performance.
Should they had watched from a balcony pew,
my  non-church work friends would have seen me as -
simply another moonlighting actor.

At work last week, I had cussed out the boss.
Three of us sneaked out early last Thursday.
On occasion, I lie and scheme, even
have a good laugh at tasteless, raunchy jokes.

I left church and wandered in deepest thought,
pondering, “What is worship all about?”
An hour alone with God was revealing,
brooding o'er events of the past two days.

My pretense at worship,  hypocrisy,
disappointing to God, awkward for me.
A major breakthrough,  I just let God talk;
then I apologized for my play-acting.

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Skat A May 2, 2015 at 12:01 AM Reason, Congratulations on the win. SKAT

Carrie Richards April 29, 2015 at 2:42 PM The candid and honest look at oneself, is not an easy thing to do, but is what makes us human. To learn and recognize our own failings, teaches us to become better people. We cannot be honest with anyone, if we can't be honest with ourselves. :) Well done! Reason A. Poteet April 29, 2015 at 9:32 PM Thanks, Carrie, I remember a teacher from high school, Mr. Moore, his motto was "Don't lie; but above all, don't lie to yourself." It stuck although it is not easy. Appreciate your comment.

Poet Destroyer A April 28, 2015 at 3:10 PM reason, this is a great Honorable Mention poem. LINDA Reason A. Poteet April 29, 2015 at 9:31 PM Thanks, Linda, that makes three votes now. I appreciate the read.

Reason A. Poteet April 27, 2015 at 6:01 AM THank you, Sara, for your encouraging remarks. I always enjoy your poetry.

Sara Kendrick February 29, 2012 at 1:15 PM This does happen..Great topic and presentation..Sometimes we need that alone time with God to figure things out..That worship and listening is very important for a well balanced life..Enjoyed reading this afternoon..Thanks for stopping by, reading, and taking time to comment on my work...Sara