Cathedrals Of Bling Poem by Robert Charles Howard
Cathedrals Of Bling
The Gods are money sound these days.
and priests have marketing degrees -
The faithful, called to worship
by giant plasma screens,
flock to shopping cathedrals –
seeking salvation through merchandising.
At the Church of Holy Consumption
all denominations are welcome –
hundreds, twenties, tens.
All the hymns are sung by Muzak,
The readings daily specials.
A sister offers a spray of holy essence
(The bottle's 40 bucks an ounce) .
Leave your offerings at the till -
major credit cards accepted.
As the worship service's end
sign the dollar across your chest
while a celebrant's talking head
coos soothing benedictions,
“Go in Peace, my child. You’re worth it.”
January, 2007
'Go in peace my child. You're worth it! ' Stunning, witty irreverence - and gloriously penned. Robert, you're a star! love, Allie xxxxxxxxxx
Wow... good stuff, Robert! I wish I could say you were exagerating but it's all too familiar. Amazing write! ! Brian
Amen, brother! A clever, highly observational penning. I wrote a piece called 'Chic' that's in a similar vein, after many visits to one of our local malls here in the big metropolis. The absurdity of it all; what those teenagers must spend on clothes alone, would keep all creditors at bay for a lengthly period, indeed. 'At the Church of Holy Consumption / All denominations are welcome- / Hundreds, twenties, tens.' is a standout, Robert. Good show, Greg
I will agree with D/ex.... this is marvellously written, singing out to be heard indeed; a grand in-your-face but defly composed rant at the marketing 'wizardry' behind modern 'religion'... t x
Despite all the reforms throughout the ages, it seems like nothing really changes. The market place is not the only thing that is ruled by big money. I like the way you weave your humourous streak through this chosen topic. In America quantity too often gobbles up quality.
I think (unfairly) of LA's Crystal Cathedral... but it's a metaphor for the Entertainment Church. I do like the intro. LRH
It's all good. Mammon is cool, isn't he? Seriously - this eloquent poem addresses the root of the destruction of civilisation in our time. We aren't the richest nation in the world - we're the most indebted. Not every poem has to be upbeat. Sometimes, the truth - with a larding of satire - will do. - Will
An excellent write, Sir Robert! well, what can i say? i am very proud of you..And i agree all that were said here below..Thanks for sharing...
Amazing! ! And, I'll say it again...amazing! ! ! The Bulgarian judge holds up a 100! I had to quit laughing to write this! Now, what can you do with Jesse Duplantis? I went to high school with him...and what you see on t.v. is a revised and edited Jesse! Sacrilige! and worthy of all the praise this can get! GREAT write! ! ! xxElysabeth
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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6/4/2023 4:52:12 PM # 1.0.0.1113
How interesting that I just read Sal Carter's 'Prayer' on this topic, but from the view of TV religion (oxymoron, no?) . So true; a sharp observation, my friend. Cheers, Lori