Final Settlement

Final Settlement - A Lapsed Catholic's Prayer

Oppressive in its majesty
Cathedral quality
En masse
Yet solitary
In ostentatious finery
The hierarchy
Of the clergy
Parade ceremoniously
As they step down the aisle

Awed by what is holy,
Or frightened by the organ
Screaming raucously
Metallically
Blaring
Drowning
Deafening congregated ears
Who, for years,
Bow apologetically
To this spectacle of majesty
A glimpse of godly integrity
Shrouded in an ungodly pariah of humanity
An undignified shameful history
Of greed, exploitation, persecution and profanity

A Church that failed to save
Those who died for it (or God)
Failed to support its frailer communities
In countries such as ours
Martyred at the hands of a Protestant monarchy

The shred of love I have left for you
"Church of Rome"
Is a simple one of loyalty
Because in the land I call my home
You have (at a price)
Offered me learning, tradition and some security

But once that inbred family have been dethroned
You will find yourself disowned
By a wiser, much stronger community

You see,
We were never praying to you
We were praying to God

Juno.