Spare us a cousin!

Wandering round my mind one day I paused to think of what I’d say

If asked the question ‘Do you believe? Do you give sway

To those that believe in a loving God, whose only son he gave away?’

The discourse, still in my head, begins like this ‘Believe those dead,

From days of yore, who knew so little of our world and more?

Believe in those who thought the world flat? Give me a break, I’m better than that!

These days a child of seven knows more than they of earth and heaven.

At only this age they’re more engaged than the best of yesterday’s wit or sage.

And so, in truth don’t ask for faith in ignorant writing,

In spite of the morals conveyed which of course are inviting.

But no special talent or insights at play when tablets of stone attempt to convey

Just plain common sense, on getting it right,

No omniscient wisdom, no Godly insight!

And whilst on the subject of the big man’s credentials

Could we get some views on the worlds current essentials?

When in the past this coil’s been in straits he sent down his lad through yon pearly gates

To show us the life, the light and the way - miracles, parables, how we should pray.

But the planet today is down on its uppers,

Much worse than when JC was taking last suppers.

Wars and want, need & greed, a world that is dying and all of the time is this God denying

That it’s nowwe need help, it’s now we need vision,

And could he not try to make it his mission

To spare us a brother, an uncle or auntie, second cousin removed,

Or a friend of the family?

For an all-seeing, knowing, omnipotent father

We could be forgiven for thinking he’d rather

Leave us for dead, never let it be said that prayers were not read

Nor communion not fed to those

Needing bread or wine from the vine and maybe in time when he’s feeling inclined

Willdeliver from evil.

Until then amen.