Without You Father

I sit on the pew silent and unmoved as a dying mortal while everyone around me rises in joyful chorus
The priest’s eyes wander to my still mouth; his eyes questioning my faith
I look away, too ashamed to sit in a holy house without love for our creator
He mounts the altar continuing to beckon
I have no motive to join you Father
Am I just one of those stubborn teens rebelling against you?
I am sorry Father but I think not.
Tell me, how can a man waste his life sending his deepest wishes to something he cannot see or touch?
You give me the sorriest look as if I should know
Ignoring the unending hymn of praise I drag myself onto the aisle, showing my back to your ways
I walk to the vestibule, alone, without you Father
I will march away from your faith because it certainly isn’t mine
I won’t follow my mother’s footsteps to worship
Without you Father I will walk away from your faith.