The Golden Calves

Ephesians 2:8

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--”

We were lectors in the city once

Where the drinkers and sinners congregated for a good deed

(Beggars with stale bread and doves on their shoulders

Armani and Louis Vuitton with sculpted hair) 

They called us righteous

We wore our navy blazers and our stiff collars 

Showed them our bloody sleeves and knees-

We left them asunder and kneeling by the end of it with our voices: 

“Comrades, drink from the water we pour upon your soiled tongues;

For He toils for us, and none is pure as the wine He touches”

I thought they pondered and watered their seeds

I thought the glint I saw came from their eyes

Murmuring darkly

Hosanna, my blood is Your wine

But are we allowed a beer?

I saw many golden calves that day. 

Author's Note

I don't know where all these religion-based writings come from...

Reviews

[w2de35657u687y4324rf]

I see this come from the seeming impossibility of a preacher, and the wanting peasants of the world who only work through wish fulfillment. Especially the hope of the godspoke, which turns out false (a message in itself) when they realize that the peasants don't understand said God, and are worshiping a God of pleasantries, and not of life.
I have a broad, indefinite religious lexicon, but I was able to readily grasp the "good deed" as in relation to the "good works", and also just the utter destruction of the former phrase in terms of validity, so I really appreciated the strike through.
I also loved the "Hosanna", it was a beautiful rendition of the word use, and the following line really showcased the merit in the poem by playing from the opposing perspective so well.
The last line struck me as very witty, such as I elaborated upon earlier, as it was not of different religions that these failed men and women were ascribing to, but rather a false rendition, personalized, of the deity that was being preached.
Brava.

[joshua deathdealer]

Powerful read. Very unique as well. Thanks for sharing.

[Octob3r Star]

Awesome imagery

[screamin'ian]

I enjoyed it.

[Chris]

Yes you do... but that isn't the issue... you are stretching and finding you have thoughts to grow into. The world has people... each with their own hearts.

[Lily Mae]

Oh Hayley, I love this.. Not just because I'm a nun lol ;) You just take your words and create a story and expand your thoughts so well.. I love the way you said... "Hosanna, my blood is Your wine
But are we allowed a beer?"
Love it..xo Real..xo

[Coyote Poetry]

'They called us righteous'
Hard to know the righteous today. Countries sending 150,000 Soldiers with guns don't teach peace and love. Many questions raised by this poem. Here in the USA. Our Soldiers don't know why do things today. Fighting ghosts and create myths for enemies. Time to be righteous. Bring the Soldiers home. Allow the world to heal. Today the golden calf of wealth and oil control the thoughts of all countries. I always enjoy your poetry. Make my old mind think. Thank you for the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Greed is a big sin and that means most our politicians belong in hell... a very compelling write.

[Stammers]

There's nothing more human than a golden cow :D

When I can't quite get my mind around a poem, I know it must be good. Needless to say my mind is not the 'stretchiest' so I don't know how much of a compliment that may be, but still. What I mean is that I got the impact of its ultimate message, you made that cuttingly, but as for the references that built the message, they'll always be a little elusive. I think that's how all the great poems work, like Eliot for example - ambiguity that can suggest a new thing every time its re-read. Imagery you don't get tired of, I guess. I liked that you dated this with the reference to designers, makes it bite more than something 'general' would.

Great writing as always. Glad to see you've joined the free verse club, btw.

[Lowesy]

hypocrisy at it's best