LENT OBSERVED

Jesus was tested and tempted

prior to the cross.

and followers of Jesus

have endured testing and tempting

throughout the church’s history

often succumbing to the temptation

of cruelty, of murder, of genocide

to those deemed outside faith’s community.

by Al Staggs

Slavery is out,

incarceration is in.

Lots of money to be made

from the slightest hint

of lawbreaking

especially if your skin

is black or brown.

Prisons are big business

just like cotton was years ago.