God has had enough

Isaiah 1:1, 10–20




We offer to God our piety,
our flagellation of evil selves,
our stones and candles
and flaming confessions.

God says – enough! –
I do not delight in your blood.


We offer to God our pretty praise,
banners and flowers, fancy
words and the heart rehearsed
right out of our excellent music.

God cries – enough! –
I am weary of your burdened festivals.


We offer to God our outstretched hands,
empty, dirty, trying to pray –
but God will not listen,
until we turn from evil, learn
the ways of goodness,
live love and kindness,
care and justice.

Then – then – God says, I will listen,
I will see, I will make you clean.
Heed, then, the word of God.