The Day Withers Away

The Sinner

He stood before the cross, his hands raised towards heaven
His eyes a misty haze with large torrents of tears
The priest came in, having been attracted by the light
And advanced towards him, studying the sorry sight
He studied the disgusting puddle of mud
That had been made on his spotless white tile
His eyes moved to the dirty figure in front of the cross
He heard wailing and crying and unintelligible noise
Very slowly, he went towards the lost sheep
And said,"Brother, what ails thee?"
The man turned his head towards the priest
And said with tears falling down his cheek
"Father, l have sinned against heaven and earth
And l wish to be fed forgiveness
But if you do not give me the golden cross on your neck
Your throat l will slit and your body feed to the snakes"
The good priest turned cold at the words
And obediently removed the cross from his neck
And handed it to the sinful burglar
Whose face immediately shone like a lone candlelight
"Bless you father," he said,"peace be with you"
And he walked from the alter feeling all grand and new
And considered it to be modest and polite
To recite grace on his way out.