Ouch poems

I'm continuing my homage to/theft of Steve Turner. Tonight, another of my favourite categories of his poems. Poems that make me go 'ouch'. Let me show you what I mean:

gg

The God Letters

The Lord God says:

'Share your bread

with the hungry,

bring the homeless poor

into your house,

cover the naked.'

gg

Dear Lord God,

We have got

new carpets,

so this will

not be possible.

gg

gg

See what I mean? Try getting through this one, without an ouch:

gg

Lord, Lord

You were hungry

and I was sorry.

You were thirsty

and I blamed the world.

You were a stranger

and I pointed you out.

You were naked

and I turned you in.

You were sick

and I said a prayer.

You were in prison

and I wrote a poem.

gg

gg

How many of those have you done? I count 5 for sure. The naked guy at the crossroads in Jinja wasn't just short of clothes, and I don't think trying to turn him in would have been a good idea, but still...

gg

On several occasions I've pointed out one lady who sleeps rough in Norwich as a way to look smart. It is very easy to let caring become just my job. Or, realistically, to carry on working and stop caring. Not that my feelings matter. But when I stop caring I stop trying to actually help people and just try to run a tight ship. That could keep me busy my whole life. God forbid. Please.