2014 NOVEMBER PAD CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 15~Holy~~~~(Blank)~~ P0EM

For today’s prompt, take the phrase “Holy (blank),” replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. I like to think of this as the “Robin prompt” from the old Adam West Batman shows, because Robin would always make exclamations that began with “Holy,” including “Holy Barracuda,” “Holy Happenstance,” “Holy Rats in a Trap,” “Holy Homicide.”

HOLY SHRINE
by John Yeo

The call is as strong as ever,
The urge to travel together.
A wave of people, moving
To follow traditions of old.

Thousands join as we travel
Nearer to our goal.
A mass of pilgrims follow the path
To the holy shrine of God.

The self-styled sinner for forgiveness.
Sick people travel with  hope
Some travel to follow a dream
To visit the holy shrine.

Exploitation and sins are committed
Many thieves follow the band
Joining the flock as they follow
The pilgrimage to the shrine.

The holy men in colourful costume
Seek to convert with mystique
Stirring the holy imagination
Preying on the fears of the weak.

The goal is reached at the holy shrine,
Miracles are seen to be done
Sick are cured, sinners forgiven
Happiness achieved by some.


Copyright ©  Written by John Yeo, All rights reserved.

Image from the net