THIEVES IN THE TEMPLE by james whaley

here is something men can't understand
how abused little girls might lose their faith
in the name of lust-they betray her trust -
what many call love -might feel like hate

where does she run to? where can she hide?
how many care for her bleeding heart?
those who worship the human mind-
are afraid of the soul-the forgotten art

from a war -torn past-she comes with roses-
nobody knows why there must be thorns 
thieves in the temple have an eye for beauty-
predators are hungry for lambs to be born

this little girl grows -behold a new woman
weigh and measure-know what shes worth
the world's a marketplace -everything for sale
she buries her pain-envisions a rebirth

the curse of a poet is matters of the heart
welcome this woman among saints and sinners
thieves in the temple thirst for her blood
do they misinterpret the words she paints

do they care for her children?where is the father?
are her sisters divided?do they sing of hearts broken?
some dirty old man has his eye on this woman
jealous of her god-his dark side provoked 

all she wants is to share her dreams 
thieves in the temple would steal her away
aren't they mirrors reflecting their own demons 
that dirty old man invites her to play

any idea what he wants from her?
he pretends that he has lessons to teach
maybe dissect her ?how she is built?
may the god of this temple take her out of his reach

few believe in her hidden paradise
she declares her love for one man-who they hate
she is passionate ,powerful and somewhat erotic
the dirty old man stalks the lamb at the gate

"come into my parlor-said the spider to the fly"
who do you serve-you dirty old man?
would thieves in the temple steal what she creates?
come bearing a sword - should beware of her hand

read between her lines - she cries for a savior 
who deserves her passion -the target of  her lust
sit around and watch - notes under her door
they beg her for more - a diamond in the dust

thieves in the temple offer prizes and praise
the dirty old man has no guilt or shame
why does he follow her?perverted greed?
she could end this today by revealing his name