A Prayer For a Bigot

Lord, to you I pray for this ignorant, Hateful man who looks down on me With angry, judgmental eyes. A dragon Viciously breathing toxic fire Directed at folks diametrically different In skin pigmentation, race, religion, culture; Folks who look just like me. I pray for this lost soul who refuses To see the error of his ways, Who chooses not to educate himself. A man who was taught to carry The hefty weight of hatred in his heart. A benighted sheep long led astray by An overbearing, malevolent Shepherd. I am Black, Born that way through no fault of mine; My skin not light like his. And that gives him License to judge and despise me? It's not easy, But I'll try not to treat him the same way, Because I choose not to be like him. I know he's still your child, dear Lord, So I pray that you help lead him From darkness to light. Never let my pity For him graduate to hate. Never allow Hatred of any kind enter my heart. I prefer To live and prosper with love for humanity. I prefer the freedom forgiveness affords me. Even if he never becomes a better man someday Even if he never redeems himself, Lord, I pray and sincerely hope that you have Mercy on his soul come Judgment Day. Amen.