She sat alone

She sat alone

A lady in black

In an empty church

Head bent in prayer

Knees close together

Hands clasped

The skin across her knuckles stretched so tight

It was as white as bone

One single tear

Slipped down her face

Was there ever anybody listening.

Footballers hop over the line

Raise their hands to god

Bend down to kiss the turf

Make the sign of a cross boys

Is there ever anyone listening

More to you than me

If I don’t agree with your way of thinking.

Put another coin in the collection

It is tax-deductible

Be evangelical

It is the Lord’s way

A shortcut to redemption

We will win the war boys

It is in the strength of our conviction.

Let me make a prediction

The stronger your belief

The better it will be

When you face the great unknown

With a clear conscience

And without the encumbrance

Or trappings of great wealth.

How convenient

Give it all away

To the bless-ed church

How many bishops wear

Hand me downs

Have you ever seen

A secondhand preacher.

Sit with me

Head bent low in supplication

Don’t speak out loud

Keep your own counsel

My prayers are much better than yours.