Sabbath Poem by Gert Strydom

Early in the morning
they sit rather proper in the benches
and sing out joyously
and read the Word
and rolls of notes
are in the offering plate.

Sometimes I see them look
at people in the street,
as if they are a little beneath them
and circle around
a blind beggar.

Dressed in church suits
and designer dresses
I see them in the cafe,
the chain store,
restaurant
and even at the movies.

They are buying bread and milk,
sometimes a bottle of wine
and husband and wife
and at times
all of their children with them
are peacefully
going through the shops
or wait for tickets
in a row.

Every thing happens
as if they do not have
another time
for all of these things

and in the restaurant
jokes are told
that even people
at other tables can hear

and I wonder where and why
man has lost
his respect for God
and of His day.