Notes About The Poem

Religion from the very earliest times was meant to bring peace. Sometimes it misses the road to peace and leads us to piss instead.

Pissful Religion

God sometimes does pray to man;
Quite often we hear him not.
But once above the din of earthly prayer 
I did hear his voice;
Through the dizzying whir of angels' wings 
His prayer came loud and clear;
A prayer in a tongue I can scarce recall 
But which I did to English render.

Priests of the faiths, shepherds of my flock: 
Shall you like the devil not hear my prayer?
My words find room in your ears but none 
in your hearts,
And so the faithful wander astray from holy 
to hollow creed—
The hollow creed of pissful religion.
I can nowhere look and not meet their flights 
of insanity;
And nowhere go and not leave un-torn by 
their evil ways:
From crimes against humanity,
To drives against womanity--
All wrought in the name of Heaven.

In prayer I now command:
Reach out your staff each day and by its crook 
draw the flock near.
Teach them that to answer my prayers is the
highest form of worship
And that man is borne to me not by the things 
he drives but by the things that drive him.
Hand them the one compass of golden truth
Whose artless needle ever swings with passion 
away from their crooked altars 
To point fixedly at my eternal word as to 
conscience revealed.
If these words still shall not bend them to the 
light
Then, perhaps, my wrath will
When upon their heads it descends
Like a whip of lightning cracking on earth's 
bare back.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gorelick Avatar
August 21, 2022 at 5:55 PM
A wonderful and thought-provoking verse! Christian or not, we should remember the words of Jesus. When asked by an apostle how shall we truly know the faithful, Jesus responded, not by their words but by their deeds.
Apell Avatar
August 26, 2022 at 1:21 AM
Yes, it's a great failing of we the faithful -- quick with words but slow with deeds. With a little thought and effort I know we may yet redeem ourselves. Thank u for dropping in and for sharing a kind thought with me.
Mccann Avatar
August 12, 2022 at 5:34 PM
Agona, I am blown away by your poems. Having read only the first four or so, I must comment now before I am too engulfed to answer. What a commanding performance! "Flown like a kite," exactly!! Elizabeth
Apell Avatar
August 26, 2022 at 1:09 AM
Thank u Elizabeth! Nothing quite elates me like the esteem of a fellow poet
Das Avatar
February 23, 2017 at 10:26 PM
Thought-provoking write.
Apell Avatar
March 12, 2017 at 7:03 AM
Thanks, Nandita!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
February 21, 2017 at 11:03 AM
Amen! Religion is a power so incredibly abused. I am a student of theology as I am of humanity, intrigued by our breadth of ability. I personally don't require a deity to be a good, kind and respectful human being in awe of nature's beauty; I do see the good and the comfort which from religion can be derived. Your poem speaks volumes to me. A 7 xomo
Apell Avatar
March 12, 2017 at 7:07 AM
Glad you appreciate it, Maureen! Religion is something I often reflect on. I believe there is still much in it that will be corrected in due course and reveal the true nature of God. Thanks for the kind words!
A   Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 7:49 PM
WOW, this is well expressed, the teaching in this message is relevant, awesome poem. LINDA
Apell Avatar
February 18, 2016 at 8:27 AM
I find the subject of religion very absorbing. Thanks for dropping by!
Makama Avatar
January 25, 2016 at 11:15 AM
Beautifully woven words as well prepared seeds for a perfect germination on any reading mind. An awesome 7 dearest poet
Apell Avatar
January 27, 2016 at 8:02 AM
Thanks Funom for the kind comment.
Vaso Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 11:47 PM
I came back to read this again. I love how you used a provocative title to get the message across, this is what poetry in my view should do, quite frankly, you have voiced the words of god quite well here!
Apell Avatar
December 16, 2015 at 3:17 AM
I hope he agrees! :) I always try to make my titles tempt the reader to take a look at the poem. Thanks for dropping in and sharing your thoughts!
Vaso Avatar
December 7, 2015 at 1:03 AM
All I can say is I get the message! Wise words! :)
Apell Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 10:08 PM
Thanks Arthur!
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
November 3, 2015 at 12:57 AM
Agona interesting lines but I stand to say that religion depends on the persons who practiced them... =`)~Olive Eloisa
Apell Avatar
November 3, 2015 at 11:56 AM
Olive, I agree. Those who pervert it are decidedly in the minority. Nice of you to drop in.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace