Most of the rooms were lavishly appointed
with oriental rugs on all the floors and walls,
and golden trinkets for few eyes to see.
The smell of freshly roasted coffee from the kitchen,
and many cooks in culinary mode,
they stepped through solid portals now, with fourteen locks,
it said GOD’S TREASURY and had electric doors.
It was astonishing, this image of a volume
that filled the halls and corridors up to the ceiling.
And rubies, amethyst, and opal, also paintings,
and silver coins, fine nuggets and big bars of gold.
Their guide was elderly, a cardinal with giant belly,
he pulled the hand-carved easy chair up for his master
and waited patiently for him to settle back and smile.
‘These 60 billion here, my disciples, we are the envy,
but it is fitting that our Lord would be our God.
And as we serve him he takes care of our flock,
God will abandon no one who believes and fears.’
Returning now, the locks in place once more,
the dining room had offerings aplenty.
The hunchback secretary had followed, bearing papers,
and now reminded of the press releases due.
‘Just show them God’s appeal today, and make it global.
Each woman, man, all children of this Earth
will need to give by reaching deep into their pockets,
there is much poverty in many distant lands.
And God insists all men shall help their brothers,
and we will pray for givers and for takers.
And tell them God is good and man needs to be humble.’
And then they prayed, led by the Pope in silken robe,
to thank the Lord for all his generous bounty.
And praise be mumbled over plates not for the poor.