250626 Book Cover

 Book Cover

Shouldn't judge book by its cover

Yet, I do it all the time

For I'm certain just by looking

That one's capable of crime

And I know the type that she is

Though we've never met before 

She thinks she's so much better

Since her dress is a Dior

That one's a permissive parent 

Did you see her little knave

Why doesn't she control him

Can't she teach him to behave 

And what about those teenagers 

Certain they're up to no good

Sure they've concocted a plan to

Terrorize the neighborhood 

That man smells and is dirty

Bet he doesn't have a home

I'm guessing he is unemployed 

And on dark streets does roam

If I open each book cover

And read story that's inside

May find that I've misjudged them

Perhaps have eyes opened wide

For that one's no more a criminal 

Than my sweet Grandpa Joe

His tattoos and leather jacket

Aren't a way to tell that's so

And she is dressed so pretty

Insecurities to hide 

For anything but beautiful 

Is how she feels inside

The poor, exhausted mother

Deals with child who's on the spectrum 

She has the patience of a saint

Most lovingly corrects him

Those teens aren't up to mischief 

It's a scavenger hunt they're on

And they'll be safely home in bed

Many hours before dawn

The filthy man's not unemployed 

But works a dirty job

Providing for his family 

And thus, appears a slob

Thank goodness God, the Father 

Doesn't judge the way I do

For he looks past exterior 

And sees what's really true

For underneath book covers 

Live real children, women, men

And until I've read their stories

Why should I be judging them

For judging is God's job alone

Lest I also be judged

So, must suspend that tendency 

And toward tolerance be nudged

Instead of judging people

Let me be a people lover 

Like the author of my story

Who loves me, cover to cover