The Preacher Gets His Walking Papers

The Preacher Gets His Walking Papers

By Elton Camp

The deacons called in the preacher “for a chat”
And uncomfortably talked about this and that
Eventually, the oldest of the deacons spoke out
“Preacher, I’ll tell you what this is really about.”

“Your sermons are so boring they put us to sleep.
You try to explain things that are way too deep. 
When really all that we would like you to say
Is that to heaven we’ll eventually be on our way.”

“You seem to have the idea it’s not okay to sin,
But we know that Jesus is our savior and friend.
To come to church Sunday should be good enough
For us to do right every day is just a lot too tough.”

“Drinking, cussing, lying, gambling and fornicating
All these things it seems to us that you are hating.
But we think things like that should be up to us
And we don’t need any lecture from an ornery cuss.”

“Besides, my nephew from the Lord has got a call
To come to this church and minister to one and all.
And since he is a man of the modern time and day,
We think we will like much better what he has to say.”

“We feel sure you will find some other place to preach
Where there are sinners and hypocrites you can reach.
We will pay you the wages that you are now due,
Starting today, working in our church you’re through.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

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