The bishop and the drunk

Judge not my words alone..

The Sunday congregation
listened in mesmerisation
to scripture read opine,
always a powerful oration
championing supplication
to deity divine

'The world is your oyster
and you shall surely prosper
if one obeys holy writ,
follow the righteous path
to avoid celestial wrath,'
ecclesiastical words from pulpit

With service then complete
including meet and greet
the bishop made for home,
jumped into his car
burning rubber against tar
felt a thud on chrome?

Alighting from his vehicle
to view somewhat empirical
a pitiful, pathetic sight,
off car bumper had went splat
a luckless, feral cat
now in desperate plight

Despite need for assistance
the Bishop put distance
between feline and self,
thinking of Sunday brunch
and as was his hunch,
hit and run in stealth

But one from the community
aloof of idealistic unity
and Sunday weekly sermon,
a lonesome alcoholic
regarded with unjust vitriolic
by folk predetermine

Resting under nearby shade
observed this masquerade
of invidious intolerance,
rushed to lowly creature's aid
as truant preacher bade
fast retreat to manse

This empathetic gentleman
with unfettered hand
held a broken body close,
as tears began to well
a ninth life slipped and fell
into peaceful repose

Confraternity can be fickle
and when reaper points sickle
one must acquiesce,
judgement from zenith throne
is not be made on words alone
but compassionate heart is truly blessed!

Author's Note

“

If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.

Bob Hope

Reviews

[barleygirl]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Being an animal lover & also an advocate for those we typically do not see along the periphery of our lives, this message ZINGS! This is the poster child for "show instead of tell"! Your careful depiction of both sides of this situation is well detailed without a vendetta, but just an honest illustration to show how it looks from the outside. I couldn't agree with your assessment more & I admire your gentle way of letting us know there's more than meets the eye with some of those who are up on a pedestal . . . this is brilliantly told! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Tom]

Thank you my friend for your fine appraisal!

[Marie]

So many contradictions with clergy seen down through the years and you have highlighted one exceptionally well in this very poignant story. The bishop showed no concern for victim of his hit, his only concern was for his tummy and his four course dinner which he couldn't wait to get home to. Yes, a person who had nothing had love in his heart for God's beautiful creatures and his tears fell upon the little cat in sadness as it crossed over to Rainbow Bridge. You narrate the story superbly, Tom! The clergy were only on a pedestal in Ireland because the Irish people put them up there as high as they could, through lack of education they failed to see through the rogues who used them. One can never judge a book by its cover, Tom! A very thought provoking poem also, I like the title very much. The contrast/conflict begins there. I also like the layout of the poem, the imagery is finely painted and the poem is sublimely constructed. I so enjoyed reading, not about the dear cat, but of the two characters! Great work, Tom! Gratitude for sharing...

[marilyn 1225]

this poem has a humane message.. a pauper, a wasted human being with a heart who has the soul to grieve and to try to hold and rescue another living creature, is far better than all the sermon givers and sanctimonious of this fickle world... fabulous work!! Tom...

[Tom]

We're singing from the same hymn sheet Marilyn, thank you my friend!

[marilyn 1225]

lol maybe so !

[Einstein Noodle]

poignant story of caring ..if you had explored the scene with the cat and the drunk a little more i surely would have had to wipe tears ..even the smallest creature has great value ..all life being sacred in truth ... and the caricature of the bishop is what we are so many times...too busy...to important in our selves ... to stop and care :( the comforting of the cat as his 9th life slipped will stick with me
E.
ps Bob Hope was the greatest wasn't he?! i recall something from the Bible about ..of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit Charity is the most important one..and without it ..tho we have all the rest..we have nothing

[Tom]

Thank you E. my friend, your review is both prophetic and touching, you grasp my thoughts in penning this poem with surpreme accuracy, kindred spirits indeed!!

[Einstein Noodle]

i love when that happens Tom ... singing kumbaya right now ;))

[Tom]

Touché E. touché!

[AYVID N]

The message is wrapped in an awesome story, Tom. Evoked such regret. The Good Samaritan stays unsung in this world. The preacher is the king. But God is greater. The poem is impeccably rhymed and written.

[Tom]

Yes so well articulated Divya, though many maybe fooled, God will not be! Thank you my dear friend!

[AYVID N]

I must thank you too for sharing such thougtful writing. Great going dear Tom.

[Tom]

And thank you Divya for all your support and understanding!

[AYVID N]

You are so welcome Tom!

[Alisa Js]

Just one brings to mind something I've heard before which is that it's not your words, but rather your actions that shows one's true reflection of character.

Thank you for sharing .

Alisa✨

[Alisa Js]

This one brings to mind is what I meant to say

[Tom]

Thank you Alisa, yes, 'actions speak louder than words'

[APOORVA]

such an intelligent, impressive and impeccable write.
truly a fan of this one...

[Tom]

Thank you Apoorva !

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Love this eloquent, compassionate poem & Author's Note! God's eye is on the sparrow (and feral cats!), and so should ours be....

[Tom]

Yes you're spot on Annette, ' Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ... thank you my friend!

[Beccy]

There is a world of difference between lip service and the truly compassionate heart.

Cant is no more than that, always has been, always will be and there is truly nothing worse than a once a week worshiper.

Beccy.

[Tom]

Yes, you sum it up so perfectly Beccy, thank you my friend!

[wordman]

this is a great story tom,might even be true

[Tom]

Thank you wordman, yes, it may well be indeed!

[wordman]

my pleasure tom