He Felt The Nails

He Felt The Nails

For the courage He had in speaking out,
Saying, "This is where your system fails:
It puts the law ahead of love,"
He felt the nails.

For listening to a different drummer
And choosing to follow unblazed trails
In a time and place that loved tradition,
He felt the nails.

For loving crooked politicians,
Painted ladies, and those in jails;
For respect He showed to women and lepers,
He felt the nails.

When we choose being popular
And hide behind our "holy veils"
Safe from the task of righting wrongs,
We Drive The Nails!
 
                             Ainsley Jo Phillips