Religion Poem by Gregory Huyette

Marx termed religion an opiate of the people.
Yet worldwide it rings out from every dome and steeple.
If Jesus, Mohamed and Buddha were ever together,
They wouldn't sip tea and discuss upcoming weather…

But likely lament these sad and dangerous times
As money and power now ring the world's chimes.
The dirty four lettered word today seems to be love.
While these five lettered forces have ability to shove.

Then there's the question about what religion is right.
Which one has the correct version of heaven in sight?
With each, the faithless are condemned to damnation,
As the supreme spirit destroys much of his own creation.

Often images of divine beings are created by man,
The one who disappoints perfection again and again.
Then these effigies are housed in chambers of wealth,
And fortressed by a hierarchy entrenched in stealth.

No one on earth has ever encountered a supreme being.
Reflections depend on stories of what ancients were seeing.
Writings translated into many languages over many years
By fallible humans with motives, prejudices and fears.

Religion doesn't depend on material wealth and power.
All buildings and earthly practices time will devour.
What religion really is… and has been from the start…
Is what you believe and practice with love in your heart.