A creative writing instructor once said to me,
"When you think you are done with a poem--rewrite!"
One day I saw three men coming from their nights
lodging quite unkempt and obviously homeless.The last
carrying his backpack smiled and crossed himself
looking at the Church high above on a hill. I wrote---!
LET NO MAN BE DENIED
I spied high upon a hill the steeple of a Church
Looking down on me from it's lofty perch
From miles singing praises upon a unkempt hill
Once inspired with song I could see the spire still
Inside people's voices inside sang about
Peace and love in the land without a doubt
There were songs of love for their fellowman
In came a drunk unsteady with a trembling hand
Staggered and unsteady up and through the door
Crossing himself collapsing on the alder floor
The congregation shouted as if in one voice
"Remove this drunken man so we can rejoice!"
Up stepped one man who had a loving heart
With his tithe to give this drunk a new start
Years passed: The deed was so long forgot
A new Church was to be built upon the spot
A wealthy man stepped forth with a generous gift
"When I was down this Church gave me a lift!"
Today the Church stands tall above for all to see
The people's message comes from high down to me
In one voice they all do sing, some would cry
Words of love: "Let no man living faith be denied!"