when they sew your shadow to a wall,
this is a reason, or before they do.
when sweet waters are poisoned
and they hand out the cups to little children
and praise the cup bearers eagerly.
when the good is mocked
and all definitions changed accordingly
and those who protest this
are mocked and, even more,
accused of sowing discord.
when real purity is deplored.
when the face of God is erased
from the chronicles of those
who waste no time in
applying for the position themselves.
when those who say all manner of things
shall be well stand aside with a smile
and good manners
to let the destroyers pass.
mary angela douglas 3 january 2016
this is a reason, or before they do.
when sweet waters are poisoned
and they hand out the cups to little children
and praise the cup bearers eagerly.
when the good is mocked
and all definitions changed accordingly
and those who protest this
are mocked and, even more,
accused of sowing discord.
when real purity is deplored.
when the face of God is erased
from the chronicles of those
who waste no time in
applying for the position themselves.
when those who say all manner of things
shall be well stand aside with a smile
and good manners
to let the destroyers pass.
mary angela douglas 3 january 2016