Gone Astray <br /> <br />A solemn silence fills the space <br /> contained with cathedral walls. <br /> A sanctuary filled with grace <br /> But over it a shadow falls <br /> <br />There are few worshippers today <br /> and they’re engaged in private prayer. <br />Although the tourists make their way <br /> to see the wonders which are there. <br /> <br />They gladly pay the entrance fee <br />a charge imposed to help defray <br />the maintenance that has to be <br /> paid for. This is the only way. <br /> <br />the church authorities can find <br />the funds which are necessary. <br />Although the ancient rules defined <br /> access to worship should be free. <br /> <br />The churches now are businesses <br />and not what they were meant be. <br />It seems religion matters less <br /> to the presiding hierarchy. <br /> <br />Than making profits to maintain <br />these symbols of authority. <br />Although the signs are very plain <br /> Because they do not want to see. <br /> <br />That piety has less to do <br />with structures glorifying God. <br />Provided by the wealthy few. <br /> Who did not think it at all odd. <br /> <br />To see this as their entry fee <br />to buy a place in paradise <br />A triumph for hypocrisy. <br /> I think today we are more wise. <br /> <br />No longer ruled by the dead hand <br />of church enforced religious laws. <br />We are entitled to demand <br />the church must find a different course. <br /> <br />The world has changed and so must they <br />We aren’t required to obey <br />church leaders who have lost their way. <br />And do not meet our needs today. <br /> <br />It matters not which creed you choose <br />they do not practice what they preach. <br />Their teachings are of little use <br /> If they don’t believe what they teach. <br /> <br /> Intolerance and bigotry <br />Fostered by narrow minded priests <br />are prevalent it seems to me. <br />Truth does not matter in the least <br /> <br />21-Nov-08 <br /> <br />http: // blog.myspace.com/poeticpiers<br /><br />ivor or ivor.e hogg<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/gone-astray-a-rant/
