My Church Experiences, A Ghazal

First, I am raised to save the world from
Global Warming and Masculinity.
I cling to my Bible, and say "'tis not".

Second, I sit with my friend who, genuine,
Believes a cult's lies, and by Works of Law Strive.
I cling to my Bible, and say "'tis not".

Third I go to a Baptist church, and then
Receive perfect exegesis. But not love.
I cling to my Bible, and say "'tis not".

First begun, Sunday School taught me thou, Christ;
I heard that simple Gospel's charity,
So clung to my Bible, and said "'tis so."

In Pentecostal land, I grew insane
Being taught false miracles and the like.
So clung to my Bible, and said, "'tis not."

In Pentecostal land, I grew selfish,
Being taught ecstasies and then self help.
So clung to my Bible, and said, "'tis not."

Then I watched a thousand Journeymen preach
On Line and Streets; few knew that ancient faith.
So clung to my Bible, and said, "'tis not."

The ugliest thing I saw, was Bibles
Thumped, and taught wrongly. How'd I keep the faith?
I was taught right from the beginning, so
I could cling to the book, and say, "'tis so."