Larry was a simple man who lived a simple life
He ate his lunch on a paper plate with plastic fork and knife
He wouldn’t know high society if it knocked him to the floor
So he stood in awe when Royalty came knocking on his door
The envelope contained an invitation to a feast
And best of all is Larry would be dining with the King
He shined his boots and cleaned and pressed his best church-going suit
Then drove his rusty ford right to the Royal Avenue
Inside the hall were lots of people wearing fancy clothes
And Larry had the feeling they were looking down their nose
He tried to make small conversation with a friendly face
But once they looked him up and down they turned and walked away
Everybody knows you can’t be different
Everybody knows that odd someone
Everybody knows to fit the pattern
Everybody knows that’s how it’s done
Larry found the dinner table so he grabbed the closest seat
There he saw more plates and forks than he had ever seen
He took a chance when salad came and grabbed one from the right
Then felt the burning glance from disapproving angry eyes
Larry found the balcony to get some cool night air
He didn’t realize that the king was standing there
He tried to apologize for all the things he lacked
The king just smiled and shook his head, his hand on Larry’s back
“There are only two things, Larry, mattering today:
You were invited and you came; there’s nothing more to say.”
Then Larry and the King went arm in arm into the feast
And Larry had the seat of honor right next to the king.
Everybody knows you can’t be different
Everybody knows that odd someone
Everybody knows to fit the pattern
Everybody knows that’s how it’s done
Everybody knows… oh, do they really?
Everybody knows… is that your thought?
Everybody knows… maybe they shouldn’t
Everybody knows… or maybe not
“You have heard it said…
but I tell you…”
— Jesus
copyright 2018 Donald Paul Harris