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The Street Evangelist

THE STREET EVANGELIST

There is a new dark shroud of wintry mass,
Covering the hidden beauty of the land.

It emanates from a deceptive layer 
Of smooth-honeyed words which stroke
Their spiteful way into artless minds,
Hearing with open conduits. 

The charlatan, dressed up 
As a worthy preacher, 
Smirks through his enticing act 
Of treachery, no one, listening 
Except the crazed followers to nowhere.

The rest of humanity go about 
Their untroubled business 
Without a furtive glance,
Disappearing into thin air. 

Perhaps a single raised eyebrow 
Betrays profound disdain. 
Otherwise, life goes on 
As though quackery is far from 
All circles of sane thought.

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Miranda Hawley

Date: 10/16/2022 5:32:00 AM

Even if the street preacher is crazy, he is brave, because that is not something I could do. Besides his audience as captive as they may or may not be, well the one who is listening might NEED his message. **Congrats on becoming a premium member, I should do that soon.

Bill Drayton

Date: 10/12/2022 6:59:00 AM

It's possible to view the preacher as being more than a preacher. Someone who has a "stage" and influences public opinion, and is well known. The poem is clear about the malevolent nature of this person, and how ignoring them is probably the best policy. Despite the above, what is important is what the reader gets from the poem, not what the writer meant.