Proper 18
Poems
A GOSPEL TREASURY
Poems Based on Lectionary Gospels
Lord, we all have a measure of deafness,
though our ears may perform very well
and we also may suffer from dumbness,
though our words tumble out pell mell.
But our deafness is very selective.
There are some things we seem to ignore.
We may hear a concerto by Mozart,
but not the distress of the poor.
We are mute in the face of injustice
just as long as our own rights are safe.
We protest not the bondage of others
if their bonds don’t compel us to chafe.
Lord, if we don’t pay you much attention,
Well, I guess that it’s really not odd.
If we can’t hear the voices of people,
should we hear the still small voice of God?
though our ears may perform very well
and we also may suffer from dumbness,
though our words tumble out pell mell.
But our deafness is very selective.
There are some things we seem to ignore.
We may hear a concerto by Mozart,
but not the distress of the poor.
We are mute in the face of injustice
just as long as our own rights are safe.
We protest not the bondage of others
if their bonds don’t compel us to chafe.
Lord, if we don’t pay you much attention,
Well, I guess that it’s really not odd.
If we can’t hear the voices of people,
should we hear the still small voice of God?
