Sanctimonious Church-Goers

she and he in polished shoes,
his tie she tied like a noose,
sunday's knight,
shining with borrowed grace.
the church bell rings,
like something forgotten it had to say—
they hear it as their anthem.

he's got the Book
tucked under his arm,
pages marked with
sins they swear aren't theirs.

mouth's whisper Solomon's psalms
that their hands have never followed,
but still, they kneel,
all theater and flourish, cheeks flushed.

he sneered at the beggar
on the church steps,
dropping a coin only when
he knew, that someone was watching.

inside, they clasp their hands,
not to pray,
but to shield themselves
from their own insidious reflections.

out they walk,
cleaner than confession,
a god in their own minds,
but the devil's grin
hides behind their lips.

and somewhere,
someone who does believe,
but loves,
sleeps on just fine.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Rodrigues Avatar
December 9, 2024 at 8:12 AM
Why judge, if everyone is able to make up their own god and judge for themselves what is right and wrong. The bible says for now the wheat and tares reside together. Still I love your poem! Great imagery, thoughts and ideas. Fave.
Mclain Avatar
December 9, 2024 at 8:25 AM
Having been baptized in four different Christian faiths, when the collection plate was passed to me, I was ashamed when I had no money to give. Kimberly thank you for taking the time to read it, I spent five year's in solitary confinement with the Bible for my pillow. Again my sincerest thanks for responding to my poem. If it is, l.o.l.
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