Leading Hymnsters Astray

The pastor sent a screed

from the Church hierarchy:

“Leading Hymnsters Astray”

about people who sing off key.

Humility, the cop on my beat,

knocked me off my feet.

There I knelt, the object of complaint;

silenced by the church and penitent.

Now that I am belittled

I hope God will settle

for well-meaning intention

instead of full-throated attention.

But, who are they to silence me

in their talented grandiosity?

This is the voice God gave me

and I lift it in all its mediocrity.