Holy Man

Holy man never thinks of others,
just himself:
how much he’s done
and what may still be required.

To that end he prays harder and harder,
a rigid cycle
that in time binds stronger
and stronger.

And where is God?
He sits on a bench at the bus stop,
dirty hand held out
for whatever coins may be given.

He has put aside respect for himself,
though it’s said he loves
this earth and its populations
more than himself,

even more
than his son that was killed:
Hallelujah?