The Last Time I Looked

The last time I looked,
Satan wore Armani,
drove a Porsche,
was well read, always choosing

the right wine,
knowing the perfect words
for every occasion.
When he entered the room

he had presence,
a certainty that was frighteningly
attractive,
wearing his mask too well.

The last time I looked
(and I did)
beneath the mask,
I saw the darkness

and the fire,
eating him,
and all who drew too close,
from within.

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About this poem

This is the eighth in my series of Lenten poems and photographs, and was supposed to focus on Evil. I happen to believe evil is real, palpable, unspeakably dangerours. At times it is an ugly and obvious scourge, but more often, I believe, it is well mannered, beautiful, and the ultimate liar, and yes, unspeakably dangerous.

The picture was taken in my back yard last summer,

About these Lenten Poems

My friend Cathy Benson is on to something. Instead of doing without for Lent, she is doing MORE with a prayer project that is thoughtful and caring.

Giving up something for Lent is a church tradition, not a biblical command. It was designed to get our minds and hearts right as we approach the holy week and Easter. It’s a good spiritual discipline.

But I think a spiritual discipline of doing something more is also a powerful way to prepare our hearts for Easter. The Methodists, through their “Rethink Church” initiative have come up with a photographic way to do this (see below). I am going to add a poem with each image for the lent season to help prepare myself. Feel free to glom on to the idea, visit the blog and read, or share your thoughts and prayers.