The Father they speak of accepts
                                the scent, custom or tradition,
                                                     of burnt offerings

                    incense                                   incensed

                               God shall know
                                 thou shall not

                                   confuse disclosures

             ‘Father, I have sinned’
             common confession
                       for those who

                                do not understand

                                    a candle lit
                                    provides protection from the flame

                                   Evil ways

          cast no doubt
          on disbelievers

                      The silent thereafter hangs
                       as smoke above an alter
                       I know so little about

© 2023 j.g. lewis