Reparations

There was a good man, who was poor.
He waited for work every day, for daily hire,
Yet for his appearance and poverty
None would seek his hire.

The LORD walked by him, seeing his poverty
And his good heart, and thought to lay a test,
"This man's people have been sorely treated
"And I shall give him the just recompense
"Of his ancestor's dearth. I shall fairly treat him."

Thus, the man received just compensation
For his ancestor's slavery, and the LORD was pleased.

Yet, he had no lack whatsoever,
He began to oppress his neighbors
He began to steal,---having his heart fattened
By the wealth his ancestors had lost
He began to become wicked, and his good heart
Was turned toward evil and malice.
Until, he had killed a man in cold blood.

The LORD looked upon the Earth, and said,
"Even if I give these people what they deserve,
"They shall destroy themselves with it.
"Therefore, I cannot give it to them,
"For they have hearts prone to doing evil
"And must first learn to stop oppressing themselves.
"For, there are ample opportunities for them to be rich
"But low, their oppression of their brethren
"Causes them to have wayward hearts
"And causes them to shed blood, which I have not commanded them."