Devil in the Details

Of eighty-two carts staggered in three rows deep
I pick out the one with the wobbles and squeak
Strategically choosing the short checkout line
Still costs me the longest investment of time

I prowl around in the store parking lot
Convinced that I'm missing a much better spot
At times it can seem traffic lights keep an eye
And quickly turn yellow as I'm passing by

It makes a guy wonder what it's all about
Just why all these troubles I can't go without
And then I remember the truth loud and clear
These trials make heaven seem better than here

The truth is if everything went just my way
I wouldn't need heaven, I'd purpose to stay
I'd trade for eternity this short reprieve
For such is the bargain all doubters receive

The devil's delighted to offer a deal
The price of his proffer makes heaven less real
He promises blessing, delivers a curse
Says his way is better yet always ends worse

So keep your ill offer and leave me the Lord
You promise a package that I can't afford
A similar promise you once made to Christ
On top of a mountain, the world, for a price

You offered to give Him all kingdoms of earth
If He would acknowledge your misconstrued worth
In your estimation the Lord could be bought
The Lord took your plans and He brought them to naught

Equipped with the Scriptures, He'd perry and thrust
If good for the Lord, then for us it's a must
With truth overcoming the enemies' lies
We'll garrison truth that the devil denies

Consider a common expression that's used
It's taken too lightly and often abused
Conveying a message and seldom it fails
The devil is in the details

This poem was a finalist in the January 2026 poetry contest