Idol

The ancients fashioned images

of various animals, both real life

and in combinations

outside the realm of genetic possibility,

to augment and direct their worship.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

eschew such visual representations,

proclaiming that the full self

of the one true God

cannot be visually observed

in two or three dimensions.

But do not fool yourself

into believing that we have thus

avoided practicing idolatry.

Wherever there is a rule

or topic whose examination

is beyond the reach of faith,

whenever a conversation has been

excluded from our shared sacred story,

you can rest assured that Baal

is just as present as ever.

That which we dare not discuss

is the very thing toward which

our lives instinctively genuflect.

 

Gas Works Park, Seattle WA

© 2014 Todd Jenkins