To the beggar a pearl give I to watch where his hand – then goes
‘Tis perhaps – fault of others why travels he weary – with woes
For indeed he is poor – for reasons both known – and misunderstood
And yet one doubts the validity that he would change – if he could
‘twas my pearl beggar – my Master lent me – and placed firm in my hand
‘came part of my savings – my salvation – for my redeemed and final stand
From His hand – to my hand – to his hand … and his hand watched I
That followed his heart from his mind and soul – and it all made me cry

To the whiner a reason give I to hear if  his words – then change
‘Tis perhaps – life only gave him chances that he could never – rearrange
But plays he the fool – neither hears he the words – nor listens in mind
And he remains as he is – desiring difference – merely grumbling his bind
‘twernt idle rambling whiner – from my Master gave I – wisdom to change life
‘stead fell to my gatherings – my long studies – time I spent ending “my” strife
From His mind – to my mind – to his mind … and his mind discerned I
Not silent and hearing – but angrily befuddled – and it all made me cry

To the neighbor an offering give I to know if he knows – then shares
‘Tis perhaps – good fortune never came to arrest his vies – and cares
Surely, he is unlearned – as evidenced by action – and words from voice
But to know why we share or return a favor does not enter – the choice
‘twasnt non sacrifice given neighbor – when my Master gives – I learn to give
‘tween the giving and taking – my learning learned – and gave me reason to live
From His time – to my time – to his time … and I saw his time to die
Still not knowing – with stingy blood flowing – but it all made me cry

View the PDF below as it was originally presented

Poem #72 | Written November 3, 2010

Tis perhaps — but it all made me cry PDF