Prayer of the Homeless

I was hungry and you formed a humanitarian group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.

I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless and you preached to me the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was lonely and you left me alone to pray.

You appear so holy, so close to God, but I am still very hungry and very lonely and cold.

--This poem was written by a homeless woman who went to a priest for help and got only a promise for prayer, but no material help.