Communication

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This Stranger

Tiredly he trudged in the church
And sat down in a back row seat
No one acknowledged his presence
This stranger they did not greet

He listened as they sang praises
To their God up above
He listened to the preachers’ message
About unconditional love

He was new in town, this stranger
Sandals on his feet, beard and wooly hair
He didn’t fit their image
No, he didn’t belong there

Sideward glances were stolen his way
And the congregation whispered to one another
Yet not a single person went to him
And said “welcome brother”

They passed the offering plate around
They wondered if he would put in any
And snickered to themselves
When this stranger dropped a few pennies

After the service they formed their groups
Some to the left, some to the right
Still no one invited him to join
Their little social circles knitted tight

Sadly, he began to walk away
And head for another place in town
This stranger seeking a place
Where a welcome could be found

No one called him back or tried to stop him
They were better off with out this stranger
He was a misfit in their community
Never realizing he was born in a manger

Kathleen Ann Shelton

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