'Twas early morning at the Holy Vatican, <br />the Pope was making rounds of his small kingdom <br />Most of the rooms were lavishly appointed <br />with oriental rugs on all the floors and walls, <br />and golden trinkets for few eyes to see. <br /> <br />The smell of freshly roasted coffee from the kitchen, <br />and many cooks in culinary mode, <br />they stepped through solid portals now, with fourteen locks, <br />it said GOD'S TREASURY and had electric doors. <br /> <br />It was astonishing, this image of a volume <br />that filled the halls and corridors up to the ceiling. <br />And rubies, amethyst, and opal, also paintings, <br />and silver coins, fine nuggets and big bars of gold. <br /> <br />Their guide was elderly, a cardinal with giant belly, <br />he pulled the hand-carved easy chair up for his master <br />and waited patiently for him to settle back and smile. <br />'These 60 billion here, my disciples, we are the envy, <br />but it is fitting that our Lord would be our God. <br />And as we serve him he takes care of our flock, <br />God will abandon no one who believes and fears.' <br /> <br />Returning now, the locks in place once more, <br />the dining room had offerings aplenty. <br />The hunchback secretary had followed, bearing papers, <br />and now reminded of the press releases due. <br /> <br />'Just show them God's appeal today, and make it global. <br />Each woman, man, all children of this Earth <br />will need to give by reaching deep into their pockets, <br />there is much poverty in many distant lands. <br />And God insists all men shall help their brothers, <br />and we will pray for givers and for takers. <br />And tell them God is good and man needs to be humble.' <br /> <br />And then they prayed, led by the Pope in silken robe, <br />to thank the Lord for all his generous bounty. <br />And praise be mumbled over plates not for the poor.<br /><br />Herbert Nehrlich<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/god-says/
