two kinds of salvation

redemption is stained glass 

because our blood may never shed crimson so perfect

too humane to attain enlightenment we marvel

mix hues into realities and frame them

all our glory painted transparent in high windows 

honorable flecks of paint form holy shrines

church is like the sun

violet rays that shield and protect

bring nutrients and nature

to nourish our fertile soils 

where the land concedes they plant roots

build stronger foundations atop the vulnerable

and there is mystery on the lands

questions coiled in throats so tightly that 

they wrap around themselves like dna

snap to early deaths in our windpipes

forever unhealed inside of us 

we bend like origami into prayer

apologetic to the puppeteer strings 

we are master and servant alike

but you cannot fight a cause you support

so we consent

held captive by stockholm syndrome

to the choking bondage of guilt 

ask on our knees if we are worthy yet 

if submission brings us close enough

this faith lives airborne

caught in wool seams

clasped between joint fingertips

carried in on a breeze that tickles your neck

though the sands below remain still

here you can roll the pages of the bible

and smoke two kinds of salvation