Crossed Palm Poem by Keith Langdon

Man of God, outstretched palm
covered by golden leaves of Holy Scripture,
shouts to the world of repentance, right,
salvation, damnation, and sacrifice.

He passes out neatly typed pages of instruction
to hunger-carved faces,
lonely, worn aged,
trouble-torn youngsters,
disease-ridden neighbors,
shivering welfares,
and handicapped toddlers
whose cries for help and understanding
fade beneath the eloquent rendering
of a booming Ten Commandments.