Maggot Man

Maggot Man

body of truth

lies dormant

eaten by flies

with failing eyesight

there is a preacher 

with a bloody nose

dipping his finger in the chalice

staining the pages of a hymnal

that suddenly doesn't translate

his prayers into salvation

yet his preaching ignites

a high mass full of half-hearted 

expression

voices breaking

bread

in hypocritical toast

and then the procession

from altar to more deceit

the smiles are gone

the Lord has left the building.

erin-cilberto

12/12/21

Reviews

[Relic]

A powerful write, J. The hypocracy in many churches including the megachurges has become too obvious to ignore.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Relic,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Organized religion. All I can think of is the secrets and the lies of those who should have known better. The scandals of child abuse and sold babies, springs to mind. The Catholic Church has alot to answer for, but they aren't the only ones. There are others, equally up to their necks in it.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I believe so, Chris.
thank you,
j.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"the smiles are gone
the Lord has left the building"
Yes it often seems that we are left on our own to figure it all out these days. Your title draws the eyes and the imagination. Organized religion, as corrupt as it has proven to be, is no solace. The indicting symbolism and metaphor related equally to both preacher and flock in your verses, is astute, brilliant and memorable. Powerful write.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind review, Annette,
j.

[K writes]

Wow, such vivid imagery, has me intrigued,
nicely worded write here...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, K.
j.

[Fran Marie]

voices breaking
bread
in hypocritical toast

This poem is right on The *money*
bought religion ..bottom line
It's all about getting rich ..
preschers preaching lies ..even
double dipping in that chalice
like the way you wrote this one;
Good. Work..

[jacob erin-cilberto]

double dipping in that chalice....yes, I like that...
thank you, Fran,
j.

[andrew mitchell]

A relgion gone bad now big business where the church maggots feed off other's misfortunes under the name of God. The only thing they see is dollar signs.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

anymore it seems a business. Thank you, andrew,
j.

[John the Baptist]

Sounds like an indictment of organized religion. It could refer to a particular individual, but I think the preacher is generic. Could be religion in general, but the mention of "high mass" seems to lean in the direction of Catholicism. The deceit mentioned could have something to do with the sexual abuse scandals that have rocked that church for some time now. The last line reflects utter disgust.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful review, John,
j.

[William Michael Reeves]

I could picture him at the alter realizing his flock wasn't listening any more. Losing interest. Embarrassed by what their faith has become. Realizing that there may not be any salvation.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Bill.
j.

[duff]

A body of lies eating away at a soul over a lifetime. The punished seeking answers. Holier than thou figures needing guidance. By far one of my favorites Jacob. Many layers.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, duff,
j.