Dichotomy 05/17/10

on the church’s
stage-like altar
the preacher thunders
threats of damnation
tales of tumultuous torture
and perpetual pain
of sulphurous lakes
hotter than lava

a frenzy flows through
the fellowship
shouted AMENS!
and ALLELUIAS!
spontaneously sound out

looks of rapturous joy
glow in the congregation
hands are raised up
some people stand
some jump up and down
some weep
tears runnning down
bright-eyed faces

with each new
description of the damned
with each new
depiction of despair
the enthusuasm explodes

the music swells
hundreds of voices
ring out in song

“What a friend we have in Jesus...”

©2010-Art Belliveau