Gone Astray A Rant Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

Gone Astray

A solemn silence fills the space
contained with cathedral walls.
A sanctuary filled with grace
But over it a shadow falls

There are few worshippers today
and they’re engaged in private prayer.
Although the tourists make their way
to see the wonders which are there.

They gladly pay the entrance fee
a charge imposed to help defray
the maintenance that has to be
paid for. This is the only way.

the church authorities can find
the funds which are necessary.
Although the ancient rules defined
access to worship should be free.

The churches now are businesses
and not what they were meant be.
It seems religion matters less
to the presiding hierarchy.

Than making profits to maintain
these symbols of authority.
Although the signs are very plain
Because they do not want to see.

That piety has less to do
with structures glorifying God.
Provided by the wealthy few.
Who did not think it at all odd.

To see this as their entry fee
to buy a place in paradise
A triumph for hypocrisy.
I think today we are more wise.

No longer ruled by the dead hand
of church enforced religious laws.
We are entitled to demand
the church must find a different course.

The world has changed and so must they
We aren’t required to obey
church leaders who have lost their way.
And do not meet our needs today.

It matters not which creed you choose
they do not practice what they preach.
Their teachings are of little use
If they don’t believe what they teach.

Intolerance and bigotry
Fostered by narrow minded priests
are prevalent it seems to me.
Truth does not matter in the least

21-Nov-08

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