Can't do Nothin'

Haunted stare with empty eyes

Reflecting nothingness in kind

Heard it for the thousandth time

You know you can’t do nothin’

Holding up a handmade sign

Not part of the daily grind

Can you even spare a dime?

You know you can’t do nothin’

Self-respect left way behind

Calculated compromise

Tender heart turned cold as ice

You know you can’t do nothin’

Buyer willing to pay the price

Checking out the merchandise

Human being stripped of pride

You know you can’t do nothin’

You know you cannot walk away

Or leave it for a later day

There is no price too high to pay

You know you can’t do nothing

Be there when their story’s told

You can give them hope to hold

A stronger arm to share the load

Please don't just do nothing.

© 2010

(Background--this was inspired by two of the speakers at Christ In Youth's MOVE conference in Corvallis 2010.  The first was Jim Johnson when he spoke about our influence and the story he told about seeing a homeless man and being influenced by his son to go back saying, "Dad, what're ya gonna do?  You can't do nothing!"  The second was Robin Sigars in speaking about the influence his wife had while living with cancer.  He challenged the students to be there--for each other and for others!)