We line up

After Matthew 7:21-23 

We gather ourselves

in line, patiently

walking forward,

walking in expectation

of recognition and 

reward. We try not

to look at others,

avoiding eye contact

because we don’t want

to embarrass anyone,

like those uncertain

of recognition and

reward, like we are.

We judge not, after all.

As we stand and walk,

stand and walk, we

take stock of all we

have done, the time

we’ve spent, the money

we’ve given, the work

we’ve done, the sacrifices

we’ve made. At the front

of the line at last, we hear

the unexpected:

I never knew you.

Be gone.

 

Photograph by Levi Jones via Unsplash. Used with permission.