A/N:  All flames will be used to roast our Thanksgiving turkey.

You’ve trod upon the innocent;

Jealous? I don’t know.

But you mock us (the Jesus freaks) and scorn us

For what we have to give.

And yet you don’t see in me (the light of Heaven)

What you see in others…

Do you?

The things you say sometimes…

They burn.

…

Are you like this with everyone?

Do you have to ridicule everything they say?

Even with me, I’ve noticed; I thought you cared.

(I really thought you cared)

What happened to make you this way?

Did someone show favor to some other son? (Abel, maybe?)

Did they pass by what you had to give?

So sarcastic—yes, I’ve noticed.

How could I not?  (It’s rather obvious.)

How can you be so bitter?

I’ve heard what the people all say

And let the rumors fill my head.

I don’t know you that well

(We’ve known each other for three years)

And I don’t think I should be the one to judge, but…

You’ve seen so much,

Been through so much,

I suppose it’s natural that you retaliate

Through sin and seconds of pleasure.

So I’ll try to prompt you, ever so gently,

In the other direction.

…

Because it’s not healthy, you fool!

(And because I can’t stand to see you in pain)

The stunts you pull, those things that you do

Are all pushing you that much closer

Towards a rather imminent demise.

I cringe every time you laugh that hollow laugh.

And it’s scary, you know?

It’s all so messed up,

Because you don’t understand.

And I’m trying so hard to make you see

Before it’s too late.

And I’m trying, so hard,

To pull this plank out of my eye (do you understand?)

So I can get to your splinters.

You, of course, don’t see them.  (Do you?)

But I can feel them each and every time you speak,

So don’t tell me to mind my own business.  It is my business.

You made it my business with a simple question.

So just be patient.  Only one stanza left.

…

Well…all that’s left to say, is this:

Try I will,

And pray I will (however you may scoff)

To make you see (soon)

That it’s never too late for redemption.

Really.  I’m not kidding.  Just try to understand, will you?

Before you sell yourself as a lost cause.

Before it’s too late for redemption.