The Gift

The little boy was shoeless, with holes in his pants and shirt

And on each cheek, there were smears of sweat and dirt.

His eyes were full of sadness, he knew what it was to hurt!

Holding out a tiny cup, begging was all he knew,

Hungry and thirsty, what else could he do?

Alms, alms for the poor, words heard as he begged for more…

Shoved, ridiculed and ignored…

Until this day, when he heard someone say, “Look! It’s the Lord!”

Jesus came and took his hand, “Come walk with me a while.”

And for the first time in his life, the little boy began to smile.

He looked into the eyes of love, so gentle and without guile…

He walked and talked with Jesus, on the road for about a mile

They talked about how life was hard but he was not afraid.

The little boy was happy, joyful, courageous and brave.

Jesus said, “Child you’re a gift, sent from heaven,

Made by my Father’s own design

You’re made whole, you’re priceless, you’re one of a kind.”

Jesus washed the little boys face, put new sandals on his feet.

Dressed him with a brand-new robe, gave him fish and bread to eat.

Took him to the throne room; his Father God to meet.

The gift of life was given, to a son met on the street.

No longer hungry or thirsty, no disease or hurt or pain

This gift was given and the little boy gained…

New life in heaven with a brand-new name.

Gift, his name is Gift!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill, May 7, 2021

Matthew 19:14 King James Version

¹⁴ But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.