(Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you tithe
mint, dill, and cummin, and you omit the weightier aspects of the
Law=97justice, mercy, and fidelity. These you ought to do, without
omitting the others.=94 Matthew 23:23)

Do you ever miss the mercy,
the generous largesse, the patient paternity
that leaves you with nothing to fear?

Do rules rule your devoted heart,
has legal reinvention replaced resurrection?
You race with nooses and baggage and backpack burdens
around your neck while

Others plan the picnic, stuff the baskets,
re-spice their respited food,
eat in the sun
nap in the shade
work for no pay at all
and give back their pay in whole
just for the joy of it all

Run free, delivered deliverer,
in picnic-in-the-park races with
banners and bunting and ribbons for
every winner and
every entry--
every childhearted participant
who cannot measure spices
nor calculate tithes
but only abandon all

for the regrouped joy of massive
picnics in the park