Poetry for Lent V: Malcolm Guite

Photo credit: "Off the Grid Theology"

Temptations

2. All the Kingdoms of the World

'So here's the deal and this is what you get:
The pent-house suite with world-commanding views,
The banker's bonus and the private jet,
Control and ownership of all the news,
And "in" to that exclusive one per cent,
Who know the score, who really run the show,
With interest on every penny lent
And sweeteners for cronies in the know.
A straight arrangement between me and you,
No hell below or heaven high above,
You just admit it, and give me my due,
And wake up from this foolish dream of love...'
But Jesus laughed, 'You are not what you seem.
Love is the waking life, you are the dream.'

-- Malcolm Guite, Sounding the Seasons

You can hear the poet read this aloud by clicking HERE.