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(This poem was written specifically thinking about people who land up living away from their homes or are without homes, people always on the move who find places to live and sleep in many different spaces. Many people would prefer they were not there and so they are often treated very badly by citizens, security personnel and the police. I am aware that not every poor person is jobless, homeless or without hope. But Jesus calls us to care for the poor, the lonely, the sick, those in prison, the fatherless and the widows. Let's change things around. Let's lift people up. Let's create next steps and build a new future together that we have yet to see. There's lots to solve, resolve, sacrifice, rebuild and make new. Let's keep going and keep hope alive.)
Them and us.
Does that sound like Jesus?
Always begging. Always wanting something.
Watch out! Be careful!
They only understand violence.
My wrist hurts from the slap I just gave.
They picked the wrong person today.
I‘ll show them!
Don’t come and try that here!
Does that sound like Jesus?
The poor you will always have with you
Weary, hungry and maybe smelly.
A reminder to always care
To always be aware.
Don’t turn the other way.
Them and us
Does that sound like Jesus?
Good news! Good news!
Read all about it.
Hear all about it.
See all about it.
It’s good news. Good news.
It's for the here and now.
The poor you will always have with you
Tired, abused, cast aside.
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.
Them and us.
Does that sound like Jesus?
From the shore
He calls us to more.
Deeper and deeper
And deeper still.
Good news – read it, hear it, see it, feel it
Celebrate it
Let it be seen, heard, tasted, felt and smelt.
The poor you will always have with you
Jobless, maybe homeless, sometimes hopeless
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.
Choose compassion over convenience.
Choose cheer over fear.
Let’s not leave Jesus hungry or thirsty.
Be filled – let’s find you some food.
Thirsty and cold? Let’s get some coffee.
Do you take sugar and milk?
Do you need some warm clothes or a blanket?
Can I kneel and wash your feet,
Out here on the street?
Represent the King and represent him well.
Generous and some more
He always calls us to more.
Bring light
Bring life
Be his hands and feet on the street.
Did they pick the wrong person today?
Don’t turn the other way.
Stop to talk
Come close, embrace body and soul.
The poor you will always have with you.
Addicted, confused and maybe sleeping on the streets
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.
There are things to do.
Always something we can do.
The poor you will always have with you
Men, women, children and babies
Sickness, violence, hurt and shame
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.
Re-humanize.
Open your eyes.
The image of God on display
Restoring dignity everyday
Restoring choice
Releasing power
To empower
The next step
A brighter future
Filled with hope
God comes near
Go in peace
Eased of pain.
Clothed in love.
Warmed to the heart.
