The story is told of the Prodigal Son

acclaimed as great for what it says

acclaimed as great for what it means

it's picturesque and pointed

by God it was anointed

this story lives forever on.

There were two sons of a certain man

"give me my portion, now" said one

"to seek my fortune in the world".

"don't leave your father's house, son.

the world is worse than prison."

"nay - give it now!" and off he ran.

No man when leaving his father's house

would end his life in garbage cans

the garage can of worthlessness.

but he had caught a vision

and could not lis' to reason

he wanted wine and to carouse.

Some youth today see a vision far

and feel the urgency of sin

and heed the call of "do it now"

from TV Screens they catch it

and True Confessions match it

away from God they travel far.

Far country is an illusion, son

and singing only seeming songs

and dancing only fantasy

it's true end is the hog pen

you cannot help but fall in

for sin beclouds your vision, son

And then one day himself be came

pigs mud was in his matted hair

pigs stink on hands and feet and breath

no shoes, no clothes but barely

his shame was covered fairly

from here he called his father's name

O, Youth today in the pen of sin

the world of filth in head and hart

and shinneth though one ray of hope

that ray of hope gives courage

and courage strength to voyage

your father waits to take you in.

4/25/82 Jt.