Hollow Rituals Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

When they were young,
Adorable and cute.
You announced to me...
That they were 'your' children.
And I respected that.

Now that they've grown older...
Opinionated, loud and abusive.
Lazy and disrespecting.
Impatient with no time to listen.
You do not hold yourself responsible.
Nor accountable for their actions.
In fact you are quick,
To rely on your selective memory.

Remember...
I was there observing,
Those lessons taught to them you did teach.
In a loud judgemental roar...
You sometimes to them preached.

And your self righteous activities...
Are there to be observed in church!
And you tell me you can not remember,
Your own pastor's sermons?
Although you dress impeccably...
As if this is rehearsed!

That is why I find it difficult,
To follow hollow rituals.
Or believe anyone feels...
What they sing in spirituals.
With voices raised in serious praise!
For them it is just a routine...
Without depth and very little meaning.
Like a 'buck' that is passed...
And has lost its worth.