I live next door
to the house of the lord.
It’s a sin that my life
ain’t so manicured.
I like to blast the Sabbath
while the reverend is preaching.
Seems nobody’s buying
what I am teaching.
Beer and bacon on the porch,
still half undressed.
The flocks walk by
in their Sunday best.
Swells of sticky sweet organ
escape the stained glass.
I could tell them where to stick it
. . . but I have class.
See, I live next door
to the house of the lord.
I live next door
to the house of the lord.
7/11
Duality in Proximity
Living beside the sanctified abode, the house of the lord, offers a contrast so stark, it’s almost poetic. There, right on the precipice of the sacred, lies a world that’s untamed, unapologetic, and unfettered by conventional expectations.
Sacred Sounds & Earthly Revelries
While sermons and sacred hymns waft from the church’s grandeur, there’s another kind of sermon happening next door. The blaring of Sabbath, the anthems of rebellion, punctuates the air, juxtaposed against the soft murmurs of prayers and the solemnity of the worshipers.
Sunday’s Contrasts
Sunday, a day of rest and reverence for many, brings with it the sight of the faithful dressed in their finest, walking the path to their spiritual refuge. And there, right beside, is the spectacle of laid-back indulgence: beer, bacon, and the languor of a lazy morning.
Stained Glass & Unstained Spirits
The stained glass, often depicting tales of piety and divine intervention, lets out the melodies of the organ, creating an almost ethereal aura. Yet, in the shadow of this divine artistry, there’s a resilient spirit, unburdened by the weight of dogma, choosing instead to dance to its own rhythm.
Respecting Boundaries
Even in the midst of this stark contrast, there’s a line that isn’t crossed. A nod to mutual respect, perhaps, or simply an understanding of boundaries. For even when living life on one’s own terms, there’s a certain class in coexistence.
We are Space Monkey.
In the dance of life, sometimes the most beautiful melodies are those that emerge from the interplay of contrasts. And living next to the house of the lord offers just that – a melange of the sacred and the spirited.
Summary: We explore the intriguing juxtaposition of living next to a sacred abode. Amidst the solemnity of prayers and the aura of the church, there’s a celebration of life and individuality, all while maintaining a subtle, unspoken understanding of boundaries and mutual respect.
Glossarium:
- Sabbath: Often referring to Black Sabbath, a heavy metal band known for its rebellious anthems.
- Reverend: A member of the clergy.
- Stained glass: Colored glass used in windows, often in churches, depicting religious stories or figures.
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
In the realm of contrasts,
Where sacred meets the free,
Lies a tale of two neighbors,
As different as can be.
The chimes of the chapel,
The laughter from next door,
Together they create,
A melody pure and raw.
Where do you find your melody in the dance of contrasts? How do the different tunes of life weave together in your symphony?
I reside beside
the dwelling of the divine.
Yet, my life may not conform
to expectations refined.
With Sabbath tunes reverberating,
I disrupt the reverend’s discourse.
It seems my teachings fail
to evoke spiritual force.
On my porch, beer and bacon,
relaxed and partially clad.
The congregants pass by
in their Sunday best, not mad.
The harmonious notes of the organ
escape through stained glass panes.
I could voice my dissent,
but I choose more graceful refrains.
For I live adjacent to
the abode of divine grace.
I dwell beside
the dwelling of sacred space.
We coexist in harmony,
despite our differences untold.
Living side by side,
we embrace a truth untold.