Commissioned
by Starlight

The showroom sign flashed 'OPEN'
so I thought I'd take a look.
As soon as I walked through the door
the salesman handed me a book.

He said, "I want you to look through this
and tell me how you feel.
We can build it anyway you want.
Come on, let's make a deal."

I was looking to make a purchase
so I thought I'd here him out.
He explained to me his product
and what it was about.

I have to admit it sounded good.
He almost had me sold.
But then I started thinking about
the story he had told.

It was a complicated system
that would require a lot of me.
I'd have to come in four times a week
and each time there'd be a fee.

He explained that I could get bonus points for bringing in a friend.
And if they made a purchase
I'd earn a dividend.

He said that I could have it today
And the best part, it was free
All I had to do was sign
and pay the handling fee.

Before I could commit to this
I had some questions to ask.
But he said it was against the rules
and I needed to act fast.

I've made this purchase once before
but it was always on the fritz.
Granted, it was the simple kind
without all of the glitz.

I did my best to make it work.
I used nails, and pins, and tacs.
I sewed up all the gaping holes
and filled in all the cracks.

Eventually it fell apart
and I learned to do without.
Turns out I didn't need it after all
it just made me seem devout.

There are showrooms like this around the world with salesman at the door.
They're selling something they don't own
at a price we can't afford.

They've got us thinking that we're right and everyone else is wrong.
They tell us not to question the word of the almighty one.

But they don't know him better than us so who are they to say
that WE will go to heaven
when it comes to judgement day?

Religion is a business
who's job it is to sell.
Its customers are the souls they save from the firey depths of hell.

But why is it so hard to see
that the differences are few?
Why can't God love those other guys
as much as he loves you?

Could it be that Allah
and Jesus are the same?
The stories might vary slightly,
but really, what's in a name?

I looked back at the salesman,
dressed in his fancy suit.
I couldn't help but wonder
how he'd respond to my dispute.

I shook his hand and smiled
as I began my little spiel.
He had his chance now its time for me
to tell him how I feel.

"My God doesn't require much you see,
he just wants me to do my best.
And if at times I do mess up
its to HIM I must confess."

"See I'm not buying what you're selling
I'd rather go straight to him.
In fact, if you read your bible it says
anything else would be a sin."

"I think I've heard enough today
and I know what I should do.
But if it makes you feel better
I'll listen until your through."

"I know you need to make a living
but you may want to restock your shelf.
The fact is no one really needs you,
cuz this product sells itself."