Man From Galilee Poem by George Hunter

There was a man from Galilee
Whose enemies nailed him to a tree
—And I am told
—From days of old
Upon it wrote I.N.R.E.

I got it wrong that time
(Anything for a rhyme)
—It was really I.N.R.I.
—And they carved it way up high
For all to see on bended knee
And remember for all time.

It means: Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews
Whom some worship from their pews.
Or in Latin, which they spoke in the Forum
It is written: Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum.

If you really believe that story
It is said you'll go to Glory
—But as for me
—I'll wait and see
'Cause it seems so a priori.

Which means: 'as far as one knows'
Which is about to the end of your nose.
—I'll have to think on it some more
—And tally up the score
And see which way the wind blows.

If I believe, I can go to heaven, and all will be well
But if I don't, then I know that I can't go to hell
—And I state my position
—It's all superstition
And I'll rest my case for a spell.

My ideas I believe are sound
And I'm sure it will be found
—As one inspirational day
—Housman wrote in his lay
'—'tis only thinking lays lads underground.'