They said every life is sacred
They said amen

They said obey the law
They said amen

They said this is necessary
They said amen

They said it is not personal
They said amen

At dawn the doors were opened
At dawn the fear was learned

They said order is peace
They said amen

They said Romans said submit
They did not read further

They said borders must be protected
They did not say by whom

They said protect the family
They did not stay to watch

They said dignity matters
They said until it does not

The Church says the image of God is indelible
They say exceptions exist

The Church says Christ is found among the least
They say not these

Hands were bound
Names were shortened
Stories were reduced to files

They said this is justice
They said amen

They said this is not violence
They said amen

Christ was taken again
Quietly
Efficiently

No cross was raised
No protest was offered

Only applause

And the liturgy ended
with everyone satisfied
that God had been honored
and no one disturbed

Amen