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I, the Hypocrite

Mind if I tell you, honestly, I’m not Proud of the church I represented for so long As I have watched magnificent edifices Go up with towering spires and high-flung crosses My thinking has modified over the years … And I cannot explain my consternation With the mega-church movement of jet planes And celebrity, and power trips for the few Who are unwilling to receive the immigrant Or, notice the homeless dying on church steps While fighting over foolish doctrines and Supporting those who foment insurrection Hypocrites! Hypocrites we, who forget Jesus And I … I am powerless to make a difference Finding that speaking the truth only incites The “righteous” against those who think like me. written October 31, 2021

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Shirley Hawkins

Date: 11/1/2021 7:20:00 PM

I once again agree with Tom Cunningham's comments. I have found your four poems very thought provoking... Thank you, Milt

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 8:39:00 PM

Thank you, Shirley. That was the intent. So glad you enjoyed the poems.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 11/1/2021 5:45:00 PM

Interested to read how you view the Pope(s)... As for Churches, the higher the spire, the muckier the mire. (I just write 'em; I don't explain 'em). :) gw

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 6:33:00 PM

Good. (chuckling) That's the best way, gw. I've written them, and you guys will have to do with them what you will. Thanks.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 11/1/2021 10:36:00 AM

So well done "I cannot explain my consternation With the mega-church movement of jet planes And celebrity, and power trips for the few Who are unwilling to receive the immigrant Or, notice the homeless dying on church steps" WOW! I am super dooper proud of this one!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 10:38:00 AM

Aw, thanks so much, Caren. I felt you would understand it. I so appreciate your thoughts. I have written four of the poems in a series on thought-provoking issues.

Alkas Poetry

Date: 11/1/2021 1:20:00 AM

I think most of them are really hypocrites and outright liars... Religion of money and sumptuous palaces... A bunch of deceivers, TAKERS OF THE INNOCENCE OF THE PEOPLE... SALUTE, ALKAS89v

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 7:00:00 AM

Thanks so much, Alkas, for your thoughts on this piece. I am working on a series of poems that explore sensitive issues, and I hope they will provoke honest inquiry on the subjects broached. I appreciate your response.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 11/1/2021 12:27:00 AM

We've all been guilty of hypocrisy as we go through life, we all wrongly assumed those in power and those that lead our churches have got it right and their ways are set in stone and not to be challenged. But as we get older we get wiser and we see the rot at the foundations. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 7:01:00 AM

Thanks, Tom, for your thoughtful and responsible comment on this piece. I am working on a series of poems that explore sensitive issues, and I hope they will provoke honest inquiry on the subjects broached.

Susan Woodrow

Date: 10/31/2021 9:53:00 PM

Jesus was a bleeding heart liberal and the pharisees and their ilk couldn’t stand his message … hypocrite here too.. cheers :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 7:02:00 AM

Thank you for your thoughts, Susan. These poems are meant to provoke inquiry and exploration of different perspectives.