Attending the temple,
two men, one upright and proud,
one without merit.
The Pharisee stands,
eyes raised, confident and proud,
boasting before God.
I'm such a good man,
honest, diligent, faithful,
I fast and I tithe.
Go right ahead, God,
pour out your many blessings;
I am deserving.
The tax collector
stands apart from prying eyes;
head bowed to the ground.
Lowers his sad eyes,
aware of his need for grace;
God, be merciful.
They each return home.
The first untouched. The second
justified by God.
©
Ken Rookes 2016
