Observations From My Pew

I deem it important to attend church for my spiritual maturation.
I really savor the fellowship of a loving and caring congregation.
I especially relish the potluck suppers and other social interactions,
But even in this worshipful scenario, there are bound to be distractions!

Now, I don't mind the preacher pounding his pulpit to gain attention,
Or the occasional "amen" from a dear sister for her comprehension,
But that feller across the aisle who always sings off-key and out of tune,
Sounds like a murder of cranky crows or an out of sync bassoon!

I thrill at a great rendition of "How Great Thou Art" by the choir,
And the crescendo of the organ as it grows higher and higher.
Even the woman belting out her mezzo-contralto doesn't bother me so,
But that feller across the aisle who murders "Amazing Grace" has got to go!

I can tolerate little children who holler and scream now and then,
Or the occasional raucous ringing of a cellphone now and again,
But I approach congregational singing with little or no anticipation,
When that feller across the aisle brays, "The Churches One Foundation!"

I don't mind the snoring of the guy who occupies the pew behind me,
And I can abide the pastor's profound homilies to a certain degree.
But how I dread to hear that feller's odious and tuneless strain!
(I suppose I could move to another pew to ease my Sabbath bane!)

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 6/13/2010 9:28:00 AM
I got a kick out of your poem that rings quite true and clear, Robert. I try to enter into the sacred place inside, and ignore the anomalies. Smiles! Agape, Moses
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Date: 6/11/2010 11:39:00 AM
Oh, Robert, this one made me laugh, it is just wonderful, and I think we have the female version of that fella, at our church, she is singing in the rafters.. just a fantasic write ... love constance
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Date: 6/11/2010 7:22:00 AM
very odd how none of this irritates you, very deep and strong spirited person you are Bob H. Enjoyed have a nice one,..p.d.
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Date: 6/10/2010 6:09:00 PM
Absolutely another great look into spiritual insights everywhere on Earth Bob.. great rhyming sequences not too easy my friend.. wonderful words ... opening into magnifique...with luv from the "Sweetheart"
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Date: 6/10/2010 5:36:00 PM
A very nice observation from the pew and the humor in between makes the poem enjoyable to read
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Date: 6/10/2010 2:36:00 PM
I always felt, annoying people in church needed to be instructed or shown how to correct their annoying attributes. Until the church congregation knocked on my door to perform an annoyance intervention. Who would have believed that I was annoying!!!!!!!!! Excellent write and forgive my attempt at humor.
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Date: 6/10/2010 2:24:00 PM
Those kind of people can really be annoying. They should engage in silent prayer. However, a point in their favor - at least they are in church! All the best - Ralph/Una.
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