Affluent In Rituals Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

In places that sedates and rids those of fears,
I observe the pretense of those convinced...
They have found santuaries void of deceptions.

Viewed they are praying in worship,
Passing notes to provoke those there
In true devotion and unaware...
They have become subjects of gossip shared,
And whispered between psalms!

In places that sedates and rids those of fears,
Hypocrites of faith are seen wiping tears!
And as soon as dried eyes are cleared temporarily...
A sermon that teaches is lost!

Those that come with souls deceiving...
Are affluent in rituals.
And in gold leaf crosses embossed.
Tossing images of sacrifice.
Vowing they themselves are Christ-like beings,
Duplicating these scenes in pristine temples!

Appearing as they do to be high maintenanced,
To leave pews packed and congregated...
For an awaiting world,
Corrupted by their misunderstanding!
As they invoke words of God 'spoken'...
Although nothing done reflects anything,
Of what has been taught, heard and digested!