The Deacon Who Declared Bankruptcy in Rhyme
Each verse begins with “Henceforth, my flock…” Praise be to the financiers, for they shall inherit the debt.
Henceforth, my flock, I itemize
The pews, the bells, the borrowed pies.
The roof leaks faith at interest rates,
The organ’s filed under ‘estates.’
Henceforth, my flock, forgive this claim:
The candles burn but owe their flame.
Our hymns are liens, our prayers deferred,
The collection plate is over-served.
Henceforth, my flock, I must confess
Red ink is not a mortal sin, I guess.
What once was loaves now crumbs in trust,
Ash Wednesday audited to dust.
Henceforth, my flock, when passing by,
Do not be shocked if alms comply
With Chapter Eleven, verse and psalm…
Salvation pending, terms apply.
