Mr. Africa Poetry Lounge!
what god knows
We pray for my grandfather
ask God to spare him even though
he's a nonbeliever. We ask that Jehovah look
into his heart, see
the goodness there.
But my grandfather says he doesn't need our prayers.
I work hard, he says. I treat people like I want
to be treated.
God sees this. God knows.
At the end of the day
he lights a cigarette, unlaces
his dusty brogans. Stretches his legs.
God sees my good, he says.
Do all the preaching and praying you want
but no need to do it for me.
Written by Jacqueline Woodson
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