To a Modern Isaac

I’m no Abraham. 
I’ve bowed to a few idols in my day — 
Just somewhat unintentioned. 
Sacrificing children to idols 
Is a little crass, 
And might have caught my attention. 
But low grades didn’t pass 
My threshold of pain. 
Threatening to leave is 
An attention scheme. 
It’ll pass; ignore it — 
Or really, ignore you. 

There is no need of an altar 
On that lonely mount, with you. 
You wouldn’t lie there. 
I couldn’t raise the knife. 
Only I could lie on the altar, 
Not knowing if you would plunge the knife. 
Not knowing if God would have you do it. 
And if so, why.