A Modern Apocalypse

The waters parted aside the rising horns
of the seven-headed beast from the sea.
Powerful men stood agog, their jaws hanging low,
“Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

And when they saw the beast upon the land
it looked just like the apocalyptic movie of the week
and they were deceived.

He cursed all and caused all both small and great
to march to the Church of Consumerism,

both great and small to kneel at the bloody
altar of sacramental transactions.

The kings of the earth in their power suits
and lawyers in pinstriped ties genuflected
at the unholy image of the beast.

(Revelation 13)