The church doors
are open, the elders say,
but swing wide
for men who hold sway.

The church doors
are locked, the elders say,
to keep out the thieves
who darken the door
when day becomes eve.

The church doors
are open and may stay
that way
if pine crosses
are made
and crosses of gold
are sold
and the money
given away,

so the poor
won’t have to
to become thieves
when day becomes eve —

an offering Jesus to please.