you were our latest idol
of worship
we made you aware
of our adoration

the birds all flew in your direction
six as i recall
how proud we were
that you were ours

the pain in my flushed face
to hear of your failure
how could you do this to us
such shame you brought
to our name

most falling failures
hide their sins
in the darkest recesses
from the light

but you stood humbly
head hung in shame
repenting for your wayward ways
before all man kind

you carried your repenting heart
before a heartless world
and found the church
exactly the same

you laid down the doves
and your broken heart
crushed first from your sin
then from ours

the scandal and shame
the church heaped
too much for you to bear

we callously turned you away
are we those who knew no sin
we should have welcomed
your repentant heart

helping the healing process
for you, for our sister, and for us
how quickly we have forgotten
when one hurts we all hurt

how many like you have fallen
found ostracized from his body

expecting loving arms
they find divisive spirits
and a flaming tongue

gouging deep — deep
tearing the remnants
of their souls

forgive our careless transgression
for we have all suffered
the loss of you