Not By Works Poem by Patrick Fealy

Not by works I heard them say
upon their cross was dust
Their work was done no need to pay
Redemption theirs by trust
If gold could rust what would men do
set sail on Shylock's See?
Man's merit weighed in pounds of flesh
it's worth in usury?
Should coins alone then multiply
where barron metal fell
The root of evil money's reign
who's kingdom rules from Hell?
Then to these words some merit bring
for wealth in men to grow
with all their virtue heaven bound
without a cent to show
a poem, a prayer, a piece of art
a masterful design
a work of consecration
some grapes to make the wine
Man leaves nothing more than this
when all is left behind
His works are heaped upon the earth
In heaven he will shine