Sacrifice

You called to me with promises of hope and love.
You danced with your colored face in fancy dress.
Your painted lips and fine frock spun in the sunlight
         while the music played.

You wooed with promises of eternal life and blessing.
You cajoled with fellowship and song.
You said you loved me, accepted me, wanted me.
Memorized I bit.

I came in to sit and share a meal.
You charged me.
I came to fellowship and dialogue.
You twisted my words & condemned me.
I came in to sit and find some rest.
You called me selfish.
I came to serve and share in the promised love.
You exploited me.
Broken, I came for healing.
You demonized me.
I came in to hear the Word.
You lied to me.
You threatened with banishment and death.
I feared.
You talked war and justified killing.
Eternal life?  

I died.

I still watch you dance and speak and memorize a crowd.
You paint your face to hide the death you sell.
I still watch you twirl and whirl to delight.
You speak with golden lips and forked tongue.
I still watch you glance down to check the bag is full.
You steal, kill, destroy and call it the Prince of Peace.
Indeed, this is not a life or a way.

It’s too late.