altar call

we can’t approach
without
some sibling feeling worked out
so
we’re told

like Erev
before perhaps
the
Yom Kippur

and yet how empty be the churches if
chancels must wait
for
close conflict
or
the like
must be worked out first

before we resuming
carrying
a church-gift
say
our tithe

though many of us
chance
and
to confess
to keep the gift and moving
toward
the worship center
where
the convicting love of God
does not dwell more
but
knowing our score feels
more

c l couch


Mattew 5:23-24 (or consider other prodigal narratives)

Photo by Martijn Veldhuizen on Unsplash