he who once wept still weeps

when the earth becomes God’s empty nest

goats and sheep have been allocated

hollow halls no longer echo

 

will he feel the vacancy

within the world’s walls?

 

hands which held while walking

husbands dedicating “lady in red”

on a tenth wedding anniversary

roses representing an apology

a mother comforting skinned knees

 

or will he be relieved

he no longer has to see

holes from heroin needles

wives with husband inflicted black eyes

children’s virginity sacrificed on the altar

of pedophilia

the only prayers he hears

are the mumblings under breath

blaming his name for not doing

what we were unwilling to do ourselves

 

insoluble selfishness securing suffering

needs that bleed could recede

if greed weren’t the only seed

we plant in the soil

 

it is easier to gut someone with gossip

gather garbage as if it is gold

grip with such a firm hold

no one can pull from us

things which we are required to dust

and thus defining happiness

 

neighbors never knowing each other’s names

while walls contain

plaques which proclaim

“love thy neighbor”

 

i do not know what God will do

with the empty bedrooms of his children

 

convert them into sewing rooms

make beautiful blankets

pile them at the top of the stairs?

 

just like his children

who were unwilling to share

 

God doesn’t choose what isn’t there

but works through those who already care

and lets the rest wallow

in the misery of the miser

 

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