I am Catholic, Protestant, Jew, many other religions too

And I am the one asking you:

I am the hungry, the naked, the poor

I am the one knocking at your door

You and I know I’ve been here before.

Yes, you have given to me in the past

Each time I hoped it would be the last

You got to give….I got to ask.

So who is the one with the generous soul?

Is it you or I in charity’s role?

Which of us has the heart of gold?

I am the victim of circumstance

Each day I bring to you the chance

To give me water, shelter, or pants.

I am the one with the outstretched hand

Who allows you to share whatever you can

Which of us is the generous man?

I must be grateful, I must be kind

In the way I accept….while keeping in mind

Tomorrow; another donor to find.

Think of the times I’ve given you joy

By letting you give my child a toy

Or put a coat on my little boy.

Remember how happy I made you feel

By letting you serve my family a meal?

You got awards.  I got to appeal.

You came to help because I was there

I let you stare at my unclean hair

In that moment, I drew from you…care.

Maybe I’m seeing through different eyes

Tho I’m not the one considered wise

I feel it is I who answers your cries.

You need to do good?  It is I waiting here.

Need someone to serve?  I’m always near.

Want someone to comfort?  I’m always in fear.

And something more I’m thinking of:

Who brings you hope, and peace, and love?

Whenever you feel you haven’t enough.

Passing each other, I ask you once more:

Who’s helping who at poverty’s door?

Is it you…..or the homeless, the hungry, the poor?