Skolops

SKOLOPS

WHEN PAUL
SPOKE OF A THORN IN HIS SIDE
HE USED THE GREEK WORD SKOLOPS
WHICH AT ITS ROOT MEANS SHARPENED STICK
LIKE SPEAR OR STAKE FOR IMPALEMENT
MUCH MORE THAN THORN
HE DID NOT MEAN
A TAG ON YOUR CLOTHES
THAT BOTHERS YOU
OR A PIN LEFT IN A NEW SHIRT
A REAL PROD
THAT HE PRAYED TO BE RID OF
TO NO AVAIL
JUST AS ALL OF US HAVE PRODS
THAT WE PRAY TO BE RID OF
TO NO AVAIL
TO BE RID OF THESE PRODS
WOULD DENY US THE JOY OF LIVING

BUT THERE ARE OTHER PRODS
TO THE BODY OF CHRIST
FAMINE IN AFRICA
POVERTY IN LATIN AMERICA
BILLIONS IN WEAPONRY
PENNIES FOR MEDICINE
RACIAL HATRED OR BLINDNESS
AFTER TWO THOUSAND YEARS
WE SHOULD BE DOING BETTER

WILL GOD’S HEART WOUND EVER HEAL
IF WE STAB IT CONTINUALLY
IF WE PAY NO HEED TO HIS TEACHING
WHAT YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF YOUR BRETHREN
THAT YOU DO UNTO ME

PROD US FATHER
MAY YOUR KINGDOM COME
NOW
AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

FRANK A VOLLMER