To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else
He told a parable.
The Pharisee told himself he was not like the others in all their mess.
Evildoers and the tax collector nearby, his prayer all too audible.

How often do we criticise others’ fault?
They have broken this rule or that.
But have we obeyed every rule to our default?
Are we so perfect or sometimes, well, just a brat?

Of course it tickles our fancy.
For a scalp to be taken, we say they didn’t do as they say.
They got what they deserved, they were ever so cheeky.
We would never do that we bray.

But what did that tax collector say.
Have mercy on me a sinner, is that not enough for our guilt to lay.