We Would Have Been Judas

We Would Have Been Judas.

186

Perhaps I had the idea wrong all along.

Birds fly in the same flocks.

Fish swim in the same schools.

Yet, people close their blinds on their neighbors.

Perhaps the idea wasn’t to lend a hand

after the hurricane to rake up the leaves and torn shutters.

Perhaps the idea wasn’t to lend a hand

to the man crossing the street frail with his walker and slow steps.

Perhaps the idea wasn’t to lend a hand

in elementary school fairs and community car washes,

attempting to raise enough money for books.

Instead, we cut each other off on the highway-

flip the bird and throw out our cigarettes.

Instead, we slam the door shut on the Girl Scout on the street-

too busy glued to the television to buy her cookies.

Instead, we throw stones at people who love their same gender-

for it’s not love if God says it is a sin.

Instead, we bomb buildings over religious and cultural differences-

for it’s not terrorism if God blesses America.

Why should we “love thy neighbor” when we don’t have to?

(Inspired by "I Would Have Been Judas" PostSecret.)