With The Sunday Whirl, wordler-in-chief Brenda posed the words in bold – a baker’s dozen. Also, Sunday Scribblings wanted us to write on the word “Captivate.” These are both Sunday-based poems, the second being a haiku. Also posted at my poetic home away from home, Poets United.
FOR THE SUNDAY WHIRL
Sunday Praise Service
Hot coffee to stir the ominous ache in her weary bones.
She chooses an emerald empire-waist dress;
the illusion of a full front covers
the void of her shrinking frame.
Time to observe the celestial, to worship the Divine.
As her sandals flip, flop, flap into the sanctuary,
a kid jostles past her up the balcony stairs to sit with his mom.
She smiles, remembering her own scrambles up there;
the rhythm of life is upbeat and present
here in this church.
Church services are usually holy pantomime, but
not here. The sermon moves her – and the music?
It rocks like the ages!
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
““““““““““““““““““““
FOR SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS
Televangelists Are Full Of Crap
Captivate
with delusions of riches,
Joel Osteen.
Captivate
with tales of earthly wealth,
Graham Junior.
Hold captive
those prisoners of Rapture,
who crave flight.
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivienne Blake
Your wordle is excellent – tells a story beautifully. I’ve never seen a televangelist, and if your poem is anything to go by, I’m glad.
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, televangelists are these annoying people – usually mean, although Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker used to be a church team before she got wise to his cheating. They stand in humungous chapels and TV and talk about The End Times and promise to pray for you if you send them money… I could go on, but I would be sick to my stomach. I always say, “Want to know where a preacher’s heart is? Look at the way they dress, look at their house (or mansions), see how often they mention ‘God’s abundance’ and interpret it as a get-rich-quick scheme, and check out their car.” Jesus never had a place to rest his head. He was homeless!
Leo
Wow! Quite beautiful rendition of a church service, Amy 🙂 Liked it. Esp. the image of the kid scrambling up the stairs..
I don’t remember seeing worship or sanctuary in the Baker’s dozen, had I missed it? 😮 I’ll go back to check 🙂 Thanks!
Sharp Little Pencil
Leo, I probably mess up the words. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised, as my brain is often just a bit scrambled. But great with salsa, LOL. Thanks for the compliment on the poem. I remember scrambling up the stairs at church. I was in charge of waking up my dad when he dozed off! Thanks, Leo.
Altonian
Hi Amy! Sunday Praise Service took me right into the church with you, and carried me along with your obvious enthusiasm. I love your last line! I have grown up first with Church of England’s solemn respectability, and now in Finland it has to be the Lutheran’s even greater solemnity. Your church sounds like FUN!
Televangelists are full of crap – In American: “Ain’t that the truth!” ; In English: “I wholeheartedly concur.”
Two good ones Amy.
Sharp Little Pencil
Leigh, thanks so much. I grew up in the Episcopal (Anglican) church because my dad’s folks were those pesky Mayflower people. Borrrrrrrr-ing! I’m in the United Church of Christ, and it varies from church to church. Ours has two services – one traditional (hymnal, etc) and one praise (we don’t handle snakes or speak in tongues, and it’s solid preaching with theology that brings Scripture to the perspective of the modern age) where the music is amplified and lively. This second service was the one that inspired the poem, and I wrote it in the pew!
Televangelists… just look at their perfect hair (or bad toupee), their silk suits. You know they are driving Caddies and living in mansions and using the phrase “God’s abundance” to mean money… especially money for THEM. Jesus was homeless. Lex and I live very simply and keep finding ways to divest ourselves of “stuff” and his divinity school debt – to the end of giving more, not just to church, but to Habitat for Humanity, the Heifer Project (our yearly family Christmas gift, on behalf of our relatives… the only kid who ever sends a thank-you note is our daughter!), and to local folks in need. It’s a tough world, and the last thing we need is some jerk telling people that Jesus is coming soon, so don’t worry about the environment or global climate change… don’t think seven generations ahead… just put more money in the damned plate. Those people are a royal pain in my ass! There, I said it. ha ha
Roger Green
Choirs everywhere thank you.
I sorta liked Graham, Sr, though he definitely evolved over time. Hope Jr can evolve too.
Osteen I blogged about at some point; his “prosperity gospel” or whatever it’s called I find grossly offensive, not to mention theologically suspect. http://www.rogerogreen.com/2009/10/11/camel-through-the-eye-of-a-needle/
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, I just ran over to that link, posted profusely, and even emailed you my comments to ensure you read them! “Grossly offensive” is the exact phrase that’s called for. The idea that “big time” preachers think “God’s abundance” has anything to do with finances – particularly their own – leaves me cold. I tell folks, “You want to see what a pastor is worth? Look at his suit or her gorgeous dress and hat… check out their car, their mansion, their Caddies… and remember, they are preaching the words of a man who was homeless and only wanted us to love God and each other, to care for one another after he was gone.”
Lex and I live very simply; one used car (I walk, bike, or bus), we rent, we’re paying off student loans, I usually wear jeans to church. After all, if He were to show up again today, what would Jesus be wearing? Thanks so much. And I, too, hope Franklin Graham doesn’t go off the homophobic deep end, seeing as it’s so sickly “popular” these days… Thanks so much, Roger! Amy
isabel maria bush
loved both
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, Isabel!
brenda w
Oh Amy, I love both of them. The first is full of memory, contentment, and praise. The final stanza of the second is strong and right on. You rock Lady!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thank you, o my Queen of Wordles! The first was actually written in the church as I listened to the band rocking out. The second… just had to be said! I know the title is a bit much for some, but no complaints so far, Guess I’m “preaching to the choir”?? Peace, and rock on, Amy
Jae Rose
I wondered if that green dress would weigh her down..if it was a front for more than her bones..I am glad being in the balcony..at the church..made her smile..Jae
Sharp Little Pencil
The green dress is real! I wore it last Sunday when I wrote the poem… during Lex’s second delivery of the sermon. Not that the sermon wasn’t great – he actually inspired me to write the poem. And running up the stairs was a common event for me when I was a kid. My mom directed the choir, and I was charged with waking Dad up when he snored.
liv2write2day
These are both great reflections. Drives me crazy when people try to capitalize on God.
Sharp Little Pencil
Me too. And Jesus never had a place to lay his head… in today’s vernacular, he was homeless… by choice. Wonder what Evangelicals would make of that, if they actually thought it over? Thanks, Liv!
Traci B
Love the first poem; I suspect I’ll be that elderly lady one day. 😉
While I haven’t heard enough of Graham Junior’s preaching to comment on that verse of the second poem, I will say I agree with the sentiment concerning televangelists in general. It’s unfortunate, because I believe at least some of them begin with honorable intent and a heart to serve God, but their messages get sidetracked somewhere along the way and they start preaching what the itching ears of the world want to hear.
Of course, Jesus ran into the popularity problem too; as long as the miracles were moving and the fish fry was on, people flocked to him, but when the picnic ended and the teachings got difficult, folks fled. However, he kept preaching and teaching the truth anyway. Pity more of his “followers” today take the easy way. This should be a point of conviction for us all…
Sharp Little Pencil
Dear Traci,
Thank you for a concise and thought-provoking comment..
The dichotomy between televangelists and Jesus is that the former have mansions, silk suits, and entourages, stylists… millions in the bank. Their own hubris got them in trouble. They forgot the FULL proverb: “The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.”
Jesus never had a house; never even had a place to lay his head. He was, in the modern vernacular, homeless by CHOICE. And the Evangelical crowd, who tend to mix religion with politics, would say, “That man doesn’t work for a living. He deserves neither fish nor bread.” Jesus was on earth to teach us to love one another, and again, as in every age before, greed has spoiled that possibility. People worship the preacher on TV, or Jesus, not God. Jesus did not want to be worshiped. He only wanted to help us be better people. The popularity, that did come to him, but actually, it is always he who fled the “party,” slipping away to a place of meditation.
Finally, he was a political prisoner (again, in the Jews being ruled by Romans paradigm) and was executed by The State. So many conclusions about peace and the folly of executions by injection and… hell, I’m just an old leftie who is still an activist. The difference between my sort and the militia-Palin crowd is, we don’t run out of words, so we don’t carry guns. And if, indeed, someone is insulted, and I have to “lay down my life” by the gun of one of those yahoos, so be it. My only prejudice is against bigots, and they are the ones who find me dangerous. You should see my FBI file because on anti-war activities!!! Peace, and thanks again, Amy
Sherry Blue Sky
Fantastic writing, as always, Amy. I especially love the first one. Happy!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Sherry. Yes, I knew you would dig the reminiscent quality of the first. You are too kind-hearted to fall head over heels for my cynicism!! I mean that in the best possible way. Loved your post today on Pup.
Daydreamertoo
Oh yes, indeed.
Most churches are so not about God and anything that’s holy anymore. It’s all about making money!
I’ve always believed in my own faith, my own religion brings me to God without the need of a man to tell me I will be damned if I don’t follow their man made rules.
So, yes, this rocks! All of it. A great write and a great read. Thanks 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Sooo ironic because my husband is a pastor. I consider myself more a follower of the teachings of Jesus than a “Christian” per se. Too much bad stuff has come out of the male-dominated church over the past two thousand years – like war in the name of God, keeping women down, homophobia, the list goes on.
Everyone has their own path, their own way to peace and joy. I respect all, including atheists – I don’t have to embrace every worldview to respect them all. And I’ve known atheists who lived the path of unconditional love a lot better than some Christians! Thanks so much for this affirmation, DD! Peace, Amy
margo roby
I smiled all the way through. The personality of the woman in your wordle response is vivid. My initial sympathy turned to liking, as well.
margo
Sharp Little Pencil
That woman was me, writing from the pews on Sunday! Thanks so much for this, Margo. Sympathy to liking, a great way to describe your feelings. Peace, Amy
booguloo
Nice whirl!
Sharp Little Pencil
Whooppppeeeeeeee! My life is a constant whirl of… um… yeah!
Mike Patrick
Great job with the wordle. That second stanza is flawless.
Sharp Little Pencil
Mike – wait a sec. Did you say “flawless”? I’m going to print this out and frame it!!!
Seriously, doesn’t Brenda do a great job with the Wordles? So much meat, so many veggies, and just enough cous cous to help us each make a delectable stir-fry. A.
pmwanken
As always, I enjoy the way you can tell a story…and tell it like it is. Two well-done pieces.
Here’s my Sunday Whirl…
http://whenwordsescape.wordpress.com/2011/07/17/ominous-observation/
~Paula
Sharp Little Pencil
Paula, LOVED your interview in Poetic Bloomings. Marie Elena did a wonderful job of showing your work and asked all the right questions. I didn’t know about the missionary side of your life, so found it fascinating. And as it turns out, most of usl end up looking to the Creator and waiting to see what will be bestowed upon us, as vessels of vision and love. I’m about to check out your piece now. Amy
Old Egg
If you don’t like one you are bound to like the other! You could almost say from the fluent to the effluent. I loved the picture you painted in “For the Sunday Whirl” and stood back in awe as you stormed me from the pulpit!
Sharp Little Pencil
Yeah, I’m all about storming pulpits, castles, and bastilles! Thanks. Rob! A Something For Everyone Sunday. Peace. Amy
Debbie
You and your poetry rock too, Amy. 🙂 Thank you!
Sharp Little Pencil
I am surprised you liked these, Debbie, but glad you are able to see through the pretenders to the Throne of Christ! Amy
Tilly Bud
Two good poems on a similar theme, Amy. Your personality shines through both.
Sharp Little Pencil
If you mean my cynicism, critical thinking skills, and outright insulting attitude toward preachers who drive Caddies while millions are craving water in Darfur… you’re right, LOL! Thanks Linda… A
nan
Church services are usually holy pantomime, but
not here. The sermon moves her – and the music?
It rocks like the ages!
Love this last stanza. (It reminds me of Anne Lamott… you know her?)
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks for stopping, Nan. No, I don’t think I know Anne Lamott, but I will google her and find out more! Thanks for another chance to learn something new.
The Holy Pantomime almost sounds like a line out of “Batman,” but I was harking back to my Episcopal upbringing. See you at your blog, Amy
Laurie Kolp
I really like the first one, Amy! I can clearly picture this little lady.
Sharp Little Pencil
That little lady is moi, seated in the second pew at church last Sunday! I also remember scrambling up the stairs. My mom was the choir director down near the altar, and my job was to poke Dad in the ribs when he fell asleep, which was often. LOL Amy
leiffyv
Well, well… These are great pieces here, given to great and divine inspiration that I would expect from a piece from you! Some fantastic meaning behind them both, always with the layers as they swish around my head like the green dress!
Good to see you still alive and kicking, doing the manuscript sorta kept me away from reading others offerings. Changed the blog too, just a heads up. Thanks for sharing Amy, as always!
Sharp Little Pencil
Hey, Lief, if I’m alive, you know I’m gonna be kicking!
Just went to your blog and posted there on your ‘shoes’ poem. Very good stuff, so glad to have you back among us. Your new home has a sleek look that makes reading accessible and responses quite simple to post. Congrats on reinventing yourself. Just posted your new address to my favorite poets section, too, because it’s true! Peace, Amy
leiffyv
D’awwww! You are far too kind, I always appreciated the support! I hope once this manuscript is under control and submitted I can poet some more.
Sharp Little Pencil
I sure hope so, too, Leif, because I love your writing!! Amy
thisgirlremembers
Oh, these are both wonderful – what a great use of the wordle words! I am a religious professional myself, so these both spoke to me (I almost never get to hear the sermon – or most of the music – though, since I’m working – I have to wait and read them later.) Yes, televangelists make my blood run cold. Or boil with anger. Your haiku captures it well. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, and welcome to the blog of an irreverent pastor’s wife who is manic depressive and lots of fun, when I’m not writing about politics or mental health issues, anyway! I’ll pop over and see what you’re up to. So glad you came by! Amy