we were once salesmen

I know the things we used to say
about people “like that”
deceived!
proud!
awash in sin
self loathing
unto damnation
And now I am he of who we would speak.
Tell me we are still brothers
I need to know you’ve changed too.
I cannot bear your pity
of 13 years prior
We used to speak of love
and sing of the cross
the man made famous.
We were once salesmen
of a shrink-wrapped eternity
Bound by the saving of souls
our two year labor of love.
May we now be bound by a truth
even higher?
I’ll take no righteous pity
for love IS god.

— Paul Duane Feb 2009