Picket Fences

What if we built a few more picket fences 
to replace those faded stained-glass walls?
Took those weathered church pews, made them park benches
Hung up a sign that said, “Come In” and welcomed all?

And in that garden we’ll plant together
Replace the hate with a melody
that comes as the choir digs and toils together
Grow seeds of love to meet a deeper need

And in those gates, we’ll really listen 
to the voices of all who enter in
Not shun, mock or secretly hope to keep this place
all to ourselves, while greeting as if we really gave a damn

Take that money for all those missionaries
Spend it on those in front of us really in need
I’m not saying forget all the people we sang about
But open our hearts to that family right down the street

Take turns mending fences instead of trying to rebuild walls
Leave the gate wide open, cause ‘anyone can believe’
Remember that guy, so often talked about
Did more talking to the prostitutes,
the lepers,
the workers,
the mothers,
the elders,
the rich,
the poor, 
the ‘sinners’.

People like you and me.


3/12/19
clc