The Day I Prayed For Patience

Lord I prayed for patience
but I think I've changed my mind
I don't think I really need it
but, Lord you've been so kind
All the trials and tribulations
that you sent my way
just to let me know that you
listen when I pray
Now, I admit I got a bit upset
when the toilet overflowed
a few choice words escaped my lips
and I guess my anger showed
But Lord, I learned my lesson
while cleaning up that mess
when I cried "Lord, give me patience"
how was I to guess
You listened well and heard my plea
and set upon a plan
You were going to teach a thing
to this impatient man
Already late I changed my clothes
and headed for the door
and left my wallet in the pants
that lay there on the floor
I came upon a yellow light
with just a shade of red
I know I should have tried to stop
but ran through it instead
One of the city's finest
was sitting at that light
I think you put him there for me
to teach me well that night
He asked me for my license
and then he wouldn't budge
When I said I didn't have it
he said "tell it to the judge"
He took me to the station
and filed his report
then put me in the room I'd stay
until called into court
It wasn't long at all then Lord
'till had them jailhouse blues
The biggest man there in that room
said "Man I like dem shoes"
I looked at him he looked at me
My shoes slipped off my feet
He smiled at me a toothless grin
and said "Now ain't you sweet"
I guess that you were watching Lord
and saved me from that shame
'cause as he puckered up his lips
the jailer called my name
Relieved at last to leave that room
prepared to pay a fine
then shocked to learn that the judge
was a former love of mine
I looked at her she looked at me
She had a wicked smile
With the voice of a woman scorned
She said "My, it's been a while"
I tried to speak, she shut me up
I faltered at her gaze
and swore I heard joy in her voice
when she said "THIRTY DAYS!!"
So here I am inside my cell
You've humbled me at last
I'll never pray for patience, Lord
That prayer is in my past
Let's talk about courage, Lord
Now, that's something I could use
'cause they just brought my cellmate in
and he's wearing my old shoes

mike loftis
z

09/12/2004