Sinners and Saints. 

 

They used the crucifix to spite me

Pouring whisky down my throat

They turned the holy Mary

Into the devil in disguise

 

They washed my mouth with soap

And they ravaged my young soul

There was a method in the madness

An erosion of innocence and hope

 

They bedded me with Jesus

And a noose around my neck

 I prayed to the lord

Our saviour

But he was busy writing cheques

 

The sinners and the needy

Were left standing last in line

While the pious and the greedy

Walked on proud and absolutely fine

 

I still confuse the sinners with the saints

Why are they all walking round

Washed in the same old coloured paint!

Clare Kinnaird, 2024.