Take Nothing For Granted
A preacher died and found himself on a path by a narrow gate
Where a notice written on it said "Enter and prepare to meet your fate".
Attempting to climb over, he heard a voice quietly say,
"Do not go any further, who are you anyway?".
The preacher somewhat startled said, "Surely you've heard of me
And all the useful things I've done to guide humanity.
I was a preacher and I taught G-d's law in each and every way
And many a common sinner did fear me in my day.
I did my best to ban all Sunday games, and then
I voted to close all public houses every night at ten.
Oh yes, cinemas and theatres I kept them straight and true
And the naked female human form I banned from public view.
Courting couples in the parks a fair old price they paid...
And were most severely dealt with by my decency brigade.
And if any in my congregation should happen to misbehave
I'd soon be reminding them that all sin leads to the grave..."
The voice cried, "Stop... I've heard enough, it's plain as plain can be
You haven't judged your fellow man by standards set by me.
Self-righteousness has been your watchword and intolerance your creed,
Two earthly sins you've carried here of which we have no need.
The law here says that every man must reap what he chooses to sow
And self-righteousness and intolerance means you'll be happier below".
The preacher trembled like a leaf and cried, "Oh for heaven's sake,
I cannot dwell with sinners, there must be some mistake".
"There's no mistake," the voice replied, "It's just your point of view...
Has it never crossed your mind folk up here might object to you?
With those below you have much in common though you both play different roles,
They do but kill men's bodies but you make ill their souls".
And so the preacher joined his friends who'd reserved for him a seat
With all the other preachers...to make their hell complete.
~~~
British Bill © 2004
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