Member-only story
Based on the parable related in Matthew 25:1–12 of Holy Writ
Once in the future, we know not when,
A wedding is to take place.
Now it so happens, as often the case,
There are ten bridesmaids, virgins ten.
Five are foolish, five are wise.
One does not know them by their name.
Forsooth, they all seem to be the same
Despite one looked them in the eyes.
But one can tell by what they did
Which is which and whom is whom.
The foolish pack no oil, though there’s room.
The wise take oil in lamps, but it’s hid.
While waiting, they slumber and they sleep.
At midnight comes a cry: “Hear ye!
The Bridegroom cometh! It is He!”
They rouse from sleep that, for some, is deep.
Foolish lamps have gone out; we knew they would.
Their light is nowhere to be found.
Searching the air or on the ground
Is fruitless; it is gone for good.
Say the foolish: “Give us your oil,
