I Beg To Differ

Let’s not sugar-coat this, please.

I am so dismayed –

the merchants and money-changers are still in the temple

the Pharisees continue to preach

the Samaritans are still being vilified

and Pilate is still

somewhat obsessively

washing his hands.

No wonder Mary Magdalene weeps. 

I understand

if you would rather run and hide

or stay silent

or comply.

I understand

if you are totally paralysed.

Let’s not try to make silk purses

out of this particular sow’s ears. 

Devotion

You are bringing me home
and I, despite myself, adore you. 

Patiently, persistently, gently
you keep on calling
(you know how hard I try
to stay apart from you,
and you know all the tricks
in my well-thumbed playbook). 

You are bringing all of us home
and we, despite ourselves, adore you.