Why do I
Wear this cross
Knowing full well
There is
Nothing,

Lying
Each time
That necklace
Dangles freely
Off my throat?

Faking
Faith with chains
Which yield
No proof
Or meaning

While believing
God goes missing
Just before
Our time
Should come

Watching jewelry
Sparkle bright
Around necks
Whose collars
Suffer

Flashing myths
To those who witness
Such adornment
Held
Like hope –

Praying fables
Weighted down
Upon shoulders
Weak
From pendants

May excuse
Apparent errors
And relieve
Their certain
Doom

Before sinning
Once again
Thinking heaven
Must be
Waiting

For regalia
Ever doubtful
Through expressing
Fear
In gold,

When old trinkets
Seem absurd
Learning truth
Might warrant
Tarnish

Feeling symbols
Brand impressions
Into flesh
Where silver
Sits.

– J. Pigno