From A Teen's Eyes

By Greg Stier, Op-ed Contributor Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I wrote this poem about ten years ago but, unfortunately, I think it's still pretty relevant.

You tell me to get a job
So I can earn my keep.
And purchase all the little things
I like and want and need.

You tell me to go to church
So I can be religious.
And find some inner harmony
While looking quite prestigious.

But what you say so often
Makes no sense to me.
I do not understand at all
What you're telling me.

You have a college education
A reputation that is strong.
You have a great vocation
You work hard and smart and long.

But I see not valid reason
To go to church with you.
I see no inner love or peace
In what you say or do.

I don't see any evidence
Of this God you claim to know.
I don't hear Him in the words you speak
I don't sense Him in your soul.

So I will get a real good job
And go to college too.
I'll build a solid reputation
By the hard work that I'll do.

But when it comes to church and stuff
I think that I will pass.
I have no need to look prestigious
To my Bible class.

You can go to church on Sunday
You can seek your own applause
You can keep your stale religion.
You can keep your tiny god.

Sponsored