My Last Two Coins

I don’t usually write poetry, but I did the other day. Fathom Mag solicited submissions for poems or essays from the perspectives of unnamed biblical characters, and I tried my hand at some poetry.

It was a contest I didn’t win, but I thought I’d share my submission with y’all. Here’s my last two coins, based on Mark 12:38-44.

My Last Two Coins

The widow’s mite
Hailed for my humble gift-
widow’s might
A sermon illustration
for the neophyte
The largest donation
among Israelites
My last two coins

The widow’s fight
Scrounging up pennies
by the candlelight
Giving to the Temple-
my religious rite
Praying for the next meal-
my human right
My last two coins

The widow’s night
Night of my soul
but the Temple’s alright
The den of thieves
protects preemptive right
Rotting from the inside-
the system’s blight
My last two coins

The widow’s mite
Though oftentimes my budget
for the week is tight
I remember the weak
with a greater plight
I’ll walk by faith
and not by sight
My last two coins