Knowledge's Ark

I look into eyes already set in stone

To be told you've been cast away.

Glances across blacktop pavement,

Confronted by a lone table,

You sense you've misbehaved.

After your outburst, you come

With your "by the way's"—

I nod my head and look away.

When did the jester become

King of the court?

When the cut is that deep

And the mark is available for all to see,

Can you still be called for redemption?

Gather your sins in pairs of twos,

One for ignorance, one for negligence—

See if you survive purifying waters.

As punishment for my lies,

Ask me to only speak truth,

And let them cast the first stones.

First to the fire and last in the flame,

A path full of cautionary tape—

And you only have yourself to blame.