Suffering is the warped, unhappy child 
ruling the religious playground,
he is the hero of all the good stories.

Sorrow and suffering are the Levites, 
consecrated with holy oil, 
supervising the sacrifice of joy.

Sorrow and suffering are bully idols.
They need smashing.

Joy is the quiet child alone
at the edge of the playground
her presence offering redemption.

©2023marthahurwitz