I Went To The Preacher
By Richard Moss, MD
October 26 2024
In my younger days,
I went wondering in places not pretty.
Through the streets and alleys,
Of a dark, dirty city.
There were hoodlums and wise guys,
You had to watch where you went.
My friends got into trouble,
Their Mommas didn’t pay the rent.
I went to the preacher, who prayed on his knees,
He will smite those who are evil, the Lord you must please.
We had no money,
My momma had to work.
Watch who you stay with son,
Where there is darkness evil lurks.
The streets were awful bad,
It was worse when came the night.
You watched your every step,
Because bad dudes came to fight.
I went to the preacher, who prayed on his knees,
He will smite those who are evil, the Lord you must please.
My momma watched over me,
She said, son you must pray.
Be careful who you stay with,
Follow the Lord and do not stray.
I didn’t listen to my mother,
I stayed out late and walked the streets.
I fought and drank,
And did evil and learned to cheat.
One night I lost my mind,
The police caught me as I ran.
My momma cried before the court,
But, said the judge, he murdered another man.
I went to the preacher, who prayed on his knees,
He will smite those who are evil, the Lord you must please.
In all my years in jail,
My momma saw me every day.
Why son didn’t you listen,
To the preacher who taught you to pray.
I can’t change what I have done, Mom,
But I can go now to the Lord.
To accept my sin and forgive me,
And not strike me with his sword.
I went to the preacher, who prayed on his knees,
He will smite those who are evil, the Lord you must please.
Time has come and gone,
I asked forgiveness every day.
My momma never forgot me,
She left her tears on the floor then the Lord took her away.
The years passed before they finally let me out,
I came in as a youth, angry as can be.
I left jail an old man,
Alone and humble but able to see.
I went to the preacher, who prayed on his knees,
He will smite those who are evil, the Lord you must please.
If I had a message for the children,
I’d tell them to listen to my mother.
Read the bible, do not forget,
Treat everyone like a brother.
I cannot change the past,
But you can learn from my mistake.
Read the good book and pray,
So a life you will not break.