Prodigal son in the church

A man, who in this life had lost his way,
he wanted meaning, love, and peace to find.
He was unhappy, and that’s why one day
 to go to the church he made his mind.

He had remembered his grandmother’s words,
“For seeking help, church is a great place,
when you feel empty and when life hurts,
there is compassion there, love, and grace.”

He hesitantly stood on the threshold,
to enter further slightly afraid.
The church was stunning, with a lot of gold,
with paintings and expensive wood inlaid.

In awe he crossed himself and bowed down,
looked at the congregation with respect,
until he noticed someone’s angry frown,
so telling that his sign was not correct.

Ashamed, unrefined, and despised
he felt, yet, asked for prayer, but instead
to change clothes first he was advised,
a scornful look then made him feel ill-bred.

Then someone told him to stop his drinking,
to do a haircut, and shave his face.
“I am not welcome here,” he was thinking,
and felt himself completely out of place.

He sighed and then left, and outside
he listened from the church the sounds of hymn,
and bitterly in sorrow he cried,
until he saw the Lord in front of him.

“Tell me, my child, why are you in pain?”
Christ Jesus said and gently touched his head.
The man emotions tried to restrain.
“They don’t want me in the church,” he said.

Christ Jesus in response compassion shown.
“Don’t cry, I’ll give you peace”, the Lord replied,
“For in this grief, alas, you aren’t alone:
they don’t let me, too, to come inside!”

14.05.2022