An ‘Old School Preacher’

An “OLD SCHOOL” Preacher
Sat askew on his donkey
Those who passed by
Wondered if he was wonky

As he sat in the saddle
Crooked and wobbly
With all his strength
He held the reigns tightly

…….A butterfly flitted
Right by his ear
Whispered something
Which he simply didn’t hear

……Arriving at the chapel
He was helped to the ground
To see if all were present
He took a quick look around

He stood behind the pulpit
In his usual bland way
Presented The Sermon
Like every other SUNDAY

……A child in the foyer
Once again in tears
He had been in destress
For several years

The congregation were aware
Knew not what to do
He was disruptive
‘Over zealous’, too

In the entrance hallway
All on his own
He would sit on his chair
Feeling rejected, alone!…

……..After The Communion
Tea and cakes they’d share
While the old donkey waited
In the Cold….Year after year

This young lad was observant
While Isolated from the fold
Was their congregation growing
Or stagnant and rather old?

…….are they playing
A religious game, he thought
In his emotionally bereft state
Much this young child was taught

…..The softly woven rug
He snatched from his chair
His one and only comfort
When in the depth of despair

He stroked the old donkey
Placed over him the rug
With his arms around his neck
He gave him a long hug

……Was this a tear
Falling from his eyes
Did a hurting old donkey
His true feelings, disguise

……..when rituals were complete
Time to go home
The PASTOR saw the blanket
So claimed it as his own

“Can ones life
Be oh so unfair”?
The young lad wrote in he diary
“One day this Story I’ll share”……

‘With LOVE and EMPATHY
Hurt souls will heal
New HOPE we will feel
Gods merciful LOVE, be REAL

Enlightenment will blossom’
Gods Glory will be manifested
And the door to the chapel
Crowded…..congested


Written 30th August, 2021

After a large thunderstorm
which bought flooding and slips to West Auckland

200 mills water in 14 hours during the night


18 stanzas

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