Phantom of the Church

He…
Poses for the photographer, the lens will never judge
Speaks to you for hours but never says that much
Keep his opinions in secrecy, refusing to make a stand
Pretends to know my name as we begin to shake our hands

And so the Phantom of the Church places that half-mask upon his face…

He…
Says he really cares as he nonchalantly checks his watch
Wonders to himself if this kid will ever stop
Slips away and says good bye then takes a breath of air
Exits through the church doors and descends on sidewalk stairs

And so the Phantom of the Church reveals his face from behind that mask…

He…
Gives advice and walks around as teary women ask to pray
Ignores the souls around him which are shattered and decayed
Feels no guilty conscience when he can’t believe a word he speaks
Enters the chapel hall but through the corridor he sneaks

And so the Phantom of the Church positions that mask on the other side…

He…
Begins to read the Bible as the bride walks down the aisle
Reaches into his coat and pulls out a nice warm smile
Joins the couple in marriage as one body under Christ
Passes the plate and wonders what he’ll spend it on tonight

And so the Phantom of the Church exits the building with a bag upon his head…

© Ryan Fleisch
September 22, 2006