Nicodemus's Double Sonnet
I saw the merit
of that holy man. I showed
Him bold respect in
public and I sat
Beside him as my
teacher. I raised up
My hand in public
when I was confused
By his
instruction: “How could an old man
Be born again?” I asked.
He answered me.
When hypocrites
would kill him in the name
Of “God” and
“Church,” I interposed myself
And spoke in his
defense. I took the risk
Without a moment’s
hesitation, and
When they had
murdered him, I helped embalm
And carry the
cadaver to a tomb.
With greater powers, I would have helped him more.
But born without them, I could do no more.
With greater powers, I would have helped him more.
But born without them, I could do no more.
Why did I yet
remain a “Pharisee”?
There only is one
true assembly of
God’s people. Words cannot change that. I'd not
Concede my notion of a "Pharisee" to frauds.
Instead, I would protect it by my deeds
Instead, I would protect it by my deeds
That would instead preserve exalted words.
I worshiped with
God’s words while others lied
With them. It was confusing. Yet, I fought
And even gave my quandary a name:
The “Nicodemus
Paradox.” If we
Use “Church” with
scoundrels it’s hypocrisy
Yet if we give them
“Church” it’s blasphemy.
With greater powers, I would have wrestled more.But born without them, I could do no more.
© Harold Anthony Lloyd 2016
The current contents of "The Apology Box" can be found here.
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