Matthew 25: 40 Poem by Loretta Shively

If I am the one
with the breath known to reek;
If I have a stutter
whenever I speak;
If I am the one
who is scrawny and weak...
will you be
the one to reject me?

If I wear the clothing
that's long out of style;
If my teeth are crooked
whenever I smile;
If I am the one
that is vulgar and vile...
will you be
the one to ignore me?

If I am not pretty
or sexy or smart;
If I am the one
that can't silence my fart;
If I have the parents
that live far apart...
Will you be the one
who will scorn me?

If I am the beggar
that sits on the street;
If I am the cripple
with small twisted feet;
If I am the vegan
who never eats meat...
Will you laugh and mock
when you see me?

If I am the one
to obey every rule;
if I am the teen that got
pregnant in school;
If I am not popular,
loaded or cool...
Will you spread the gossip
that hurts me?

If I am the one
that's addicted to drink;
If I am the one who's
too shallow to think;
If I am the one
who's so sweaty I stink...
Will you be the one
that will hate me?

If I am the prostitute
trapped in my game;
If I am called evil
because of my name;
If I am the one
with the history of shame...
Will you be the one
to condemn me?

Someday we will reap
for the seeds that we sow;
Make sure it's compassion
and love that will grow.
For Jesus said 'what
unto others you show,
The same is the way
that you treat me.'


Loretta Shively