Something I wrote after a series of incidents at my old 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 |