Retiring From The Bench

I’ve spent a lifetime judging others;
I couldn’t allow them to escape;
banging my gavel on sisters and brothers;
I was Superman, without the cape.

I didn’t actually preside in a court;
never even sat on the bench;
I decried those things, I didn’t support;
often smelling evil’s stench.

I was critical of each and every infraction;
including those ones that I made;
usually nervous about personal interaction;
tho always calling a spade a spade.

I had become a self appointed judge;
dividing the truth, from all lies;
from my decisions; I wouldn’t budge;
I thought myself truthful and wise.

I tried to put myself in another’s place;
attempting to give a reason or excuse;
but I lacked God’s compassion or grace;
so my justice was more like abuse.

Sometimes I became like a hanging judge;
my thirst to punish; I couldn’t quench;
my pride swelled, and I wouldn’t budge;
so I decided to retire from the bench.

The Master told us all not to judge;
our own guilt can affect that role;
besides, many tend to carry a grudge;
only God is worthy to judge a soul.

Monty 9/15/24. # 2,341