Ode to Ministry

How wonderful and pleasant ’tis
     Or so that I have heard
When brothers live in harmony…
     And walnuts split in thirds.

For harmony is near as dear
     As Aaron’s ’nointing oil
That ran from top his balding pate
     And ’broidered garb did soil.

Yes, harmony is neat and sweet
     As lofty Hermon’s dew
Bedecking grass in swardlets green
     That cattle just pass’d through.

Yes, brothers bait and brothers taunt
     They mock, and yes, so chide
That when to public ’vents they ’vite
     You’re more inclined to hide.

And even those you call your own
     By choice if not by birth
Can be the source of much chagrin
     And barely stifled mirth.

Yes, let the dead inter the dead
     For that’s what “brothers” do.
Make no mistake—If peace you want
     This min’stry’s not for you!