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!

[Neville]

You have never yet failed to bring a smile to my old face Tom with your incredible insights and words of wisdom & here we have another example to prove the point in question. Time for a small glass of port methinks, cheers mate....N

[Tom]

I'll join you on that, cheers Neville!

[Lydia Shutter]

Wonderful! The Bishop's Sunday sermon was sanctimonious and insincere. The alcoholic gave comfort to that cat in its last moments on earth. What a touching life lesson this is, Tom. Lydi**

[Tom]

Thank you Lydia for your touching words !

[Sheila Kline]

The quote by Bob Hope quite aptly sums up the whole of a person who is without compassion, or charity as they have a trouble of the heart that causes it to beat too often with a "me first" rhythm. You have shared with us this valuable observation of life, and the woe caused by one who lacks a gift that helps rather than hinders.

The poor cat, the observation by one who was most likely even shunned by the priest because of his addiction to alcohol, or as one with a lowly place in life has such a sad outcome. The empathetic gentleman wanted to help but it was too late. I rather think he had another jewel added to his crown for coming to the aid of one who was lost at the hand of a man of the cloth who did not care. It says too that not even those we might consider to be the most Holy are without fault. Far too many have hidden their evil deeds in the shadows where they shall not be seen.

Your last verse says so much as it is when we leave this world and are judged by our Creator, that we shall be held accountable for each and every deed. Judgement from the zenith throne is according to Holy Scripture made based on actions, not on good intentions, or words. As Jesus said, "I did not know you"........St. Matthew 7:21-23. Your words also remind me of the teaching that the least shall be the highest; the feral cat, the lowly man compared to the priest.

Your rhyme and word choice, grammar are stellar (as always), and the lesson presented is excellent!

Thank you for your compassionate spirit that allows such words to be shared with us!!

[Tom]

And thank you my dear friend Sheila for your always welcome visit and wonderful appraisal of my little 'life' poem!

[emmajoy]

'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

Such is true doctrine.. such is truth. Tis often the man who wears the lightest coat who has the warmest heart.

Tom, your poem is not only written with a firm hand but holds lessons we should all bear in mind, day to day. Tis not always the great and glorious who know best, in fact..their finery often hides dirty linen.

[Tom]

Touché Emma & thank you for understanding!

[emmajoy]

I can but try!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow yes, on this poem...we had an alcoholic priest for our pastor...as altar boys we would pour the wine into the chalice...and he would not let us stop...
and in that state...he probably did what this bishop did...hit and run.
at least he wasn't a molester so we were lucky...a little spilled wine and grumpy morning masses we could suffer through.
j.

[Tom]

A little wine with supper does no harm at all, it's knowing when enough's a enough is the key!

Thanks Jacob!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

" ... held a broken body close ... "

We are all broken, in one way or the other. It's sad when the seemingly most broken among us have the empathy and compassion to bleed for another while others who are lauded for such have little at all.

We will all be judged.

[Tom]

You speak wise words, thanks Linda!

[J. J. Nightingale]

Words have no heart beat
They can't hold a hand
or kiss a cheek..
They merely tell one
What Charity be..

Wonderful !!!


Jazzy

[Tom]

Yes Jazzy, actions do indeed speak louder than words! Thank you for dropping by and your considered comments!

[J. J. Nightingale]

You are welcome Tom.......................