How is it that those
whose tongues profess deepest faith
fail to find said faith to face
mirrored reflection

Of distorted light,
grown long and lopsided by
lingering in shadows stretched
then wholly denied?

This is not true Light.
And to throw off the shadow
is the opposite of choice
to receive grace and

Stand in forgiveness—
a failure to integrate
what is seen as "other than."
So they compensate

With projected shame,
often on those who are whole
and want nothing of their game,
empty illusion.

Yet for years, decades
even, the masses bow to
the hollowed out performance
and, captivated,

Even urge them on
for an encore, to take more 
and more, to give them what they
so need: an escape—

Some affirmation
through strong pronouncement against
some innocence offered up:
daily sacrifice.