Letter to God

He heard the sermons Before he could talk There was no choice In the line he'd walk His mother his father His School and the south Holding up Jesus From under the ground Boys hear a voice It takes them away He joined the service To make his escape Up from old Dixie Where churches grow wild Building an army With every child He's glad his mama Can't see him like this Stranger beside him Dust on his lips Why don't you help me Have we been wrong First of the many This letter to God He was found face down On a motel room bed Bottle and paper Still in his hands Won't save the child but you Won't spare the rod His final message This Letter to God