(Written after a visit with John Raines to Santa Cruz)
I nearly stopped to ask
the young woman
out on the streets
of Santa Cruz
if I could take
a picture by her side.
In truth, I had stopped
with my friend at my side
as the young lady
accosted us for money
as dozens of others
had done already.
But no hobo she,
no desire for drugs
or numbing booze,
but to save the whales!
What a rarity,
a cliche in action!
Green-peace girl,
desiring donations
for a fund
lampooned
from all sides;
who wouldn't want
a photo with her?
I mock in vain
for she had
what I lack
conviction
for a cause.
Hers for creatures
doomed to die;
mine for creatures
meant for salvation.
Had she the cause
I possess,
how long until
all the world knows?
I nearly stopped to ask
the young woman
out on the streets
of Santa Cruz
if I could take
a picture with her:
why did I not stop and ask
the young woman out-
right if she knew Christ,
offer employment
of an eternal nature,
win a friend,
and find a sister?
powerful.
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