Stand Naked Before God! Poem by Eric Cockrell

i am more...
than 40 years of working,
50 hours a week.
more than a paycheck,
a bag of groceries,
the rent and the lights.
more than the hope
of a social security check!
i am more than a father,
a grandfather, and a last name.
more than an opinion, and a cup of coffee.
my name is not nobody,
i have a face.
i am not a statistic,
nor a grave waiting to be filled.

i am a man,
i have desires, wants, and needs.
like an oak tree i've stood,
and weathered the storms of seasons.
my branches are home
to all kinds of life...
now i'm ready to shed my leaves,
and stand naked before god!