These are the Ones

Here is the time, here is the place.

These are the ones that need our grace:

These are the ones washed up on bitter shores.

These are the ones whose tears and pain

Drown in the unrelenting rain:

These are the ones whose hands reach out in vain.

These are the ones who haunt our dreams,

We block our ears against their screams:

These have no home upon the bountied earth.

These are the ones we cast aside,

(We are the great self-justified):

These who are out of sight are out of mind.

These are the ones we cannot face

As we deny our common race:

We turn our backs but cannot flee the shame.

These are the ones we put on hold,

Each with a soul more dear than gold:

Thus is our birthright cheaply bought and sold.

These are the ones – Lord hear their cries!

Silence our cold, pathetic lies:

Let there be justice for the least of these!

These are the ones, and we are they

Who took their human rights away:

Lord, let your kingdom come today!