A Lenten Poem
pen yourself a gospel of broken promises.
sigh for wishes made on Wednesday,
head still aching from Tuesday
(it’s only a sin because you swore to it)
long for summer too soon.
grimace like an eager child
biting into unripe melon,
too eager; teeth
catching on the damp rind
(fools dream of reaching 40)
become the Old Testament god.
punish your creations for being themselves;
make your prophet brag about thine vengeance
(apparently this is what perfected beings do)
fathom the depth of your love
by sinking beneath it.
confess to your devil,
“I want that kingdom.
That one right there!”
swallow the last of your saliva;
feel spent after feeling high
(like Jesus in the desert)
Questions for Discussion
What lines in this poem stand out to you? Why?
If you are observing Lent this year, how is it going? What is or isn’t working for you? If you aren’t observing Lent, have you ever had a fast which you broke early? What are we to make of frustration during spiritual practice and worship?
Wheat & Tares 
Laconically beautiful.
The poem reminds me of the central principle of Asael Smith, Joseph’s grandfather. He believed that every person had the right to an individual relationship with God, without other persons as intermediaries. A big part of this relationship is sacrifice, such as observing Lent.
As for me, I am observing lent by avoiding the so-called popular music of Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, Dua Lipa, and similar so-called artists.
Instead, I am listening to the sort of music that Asael himself would have listened to. This is the music that brings inner peace.
“Fools dream of reaching 40.” Indeed. I was such a fool once. Now I just try to go day to day. Lent never worked for me–had I been in a monastic order in the medieval era, I would’ve been that monk getting in trouble because I was always out serving the people rather than following the rules in the cloister. Never been one for contemplative self-denial and focus. Not that those are bad, I just have…different spiritual gifts, let’s say.
”punish your creations for being themselves”
This stood out to me having always felt uncomfortable with the vengeful god that was sometimes portrayed at church.
I had already joined with others who were working to avoid patronizing businesses that ended their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies following the U.S. presidential inauguration and then it dawned on me that this could be my Lenten sacrifice. I recognize that realistically everyone can’t stop shopping at certain stores, etc. but I can 100% stop shopping at a store I had previously patronized far too much.
This Lenten sacrifice is going much better than I would have expected, partly because I can see a broader purpose in giving up what I am giving up. In the end I am consuming less and that’s also a good thing.
Thanks for your poetry that helps me to think about things on a deeper level than I otherwise might.
Interesting comments! Thanks for chiming in. Bro. Jones?! You tell us you have spiritual gifts, but then you leave us hanging? j/k. I very much appreciate hearing of people who look at Lent and are reminded of the opportunity to serve others. It’s a reminder I know I need.
anon, thank you for taking action! Keep it up!