Ode of the Pharisee

[Green Berean]

This one started off as a mock journal entry, but it sort of evolved into free verse. Not my best, but it still strikes a poignant chord in me.


Ode of the Pharisee

I'm a Pharisee
I'll never admit it
As popular as we were back in the day
It's plain to see
In your heart of hearts
That nothing has changed
The lofty hate us while heeding all we say

I'm a Pharisee
Maker of loopholes
Strainer of gnats
Stoker of coals
Chewer of fats
Swallower of camels
Achiever of goals
You know you love me
I'm in your soul

I'm a Pharisee
But only by trade
Can't pin me down
I dodge and evade
If that makes no sense
Think of it like this
My motive depends
on your side of the fence

I'm a Pharisee
Maker of masks
Flatterer of flatterers
Raiser of flasks
Defender of injustice
For any that asks

I'm a Pharisee
I stand on my soap box
and beat on my chest
I'm the first to throw rocks
And then I damn all the rest
Who follow my example
Don't tell anyone, don't make a sound
For though my follies are ample
I hold always the high ground

I'm a Pharisee
I cast blame on others
when it should stay on me
I sling accusations at my brothers
And heap burdens on the free
Challenge me at your peril
Because I'm an expert on all I see
We call ourselves holy
We're just Pharisees