“I Thought I Saw an Atheist”

“I Thought I Saw an Atheist” From The Digital Cuttlefish. Here’s the original: I thought I saw an atheist, once, walking down the street. I checked for horns, I checked for tail, I checked for cloven feet; Began to tremble frightfully—my heart was in my throat— Then sighed in happy recognition, for ‘twas but a goat. I thought I saw an atheist, down near a swollen stream With scaly skin, and blood so cold, I couldn’t breathe to scream! I looked into his bulging eyes, and prayed “God, grant my wish” Then laughed in my embarrassment—it only was a fish. I thought I saw an atheist, with fur and pointed claws, And wicked teeth for chewing up Judeo-Christian laws, I ran, and tripped, and fell to earth, then hid behind a log— It caught me, though, and licked my face—of course, it was a dog. I thought I saw an atheist, though cleverly disguised Not giant and reptilian, but human, normal sized, It looked to be engaging in productive, useful labor; But no, this was no atheist—this person was my neighbor! I thought I saw an atheist; in fact, I saw a few! My neighbor, and the grocer, and the cop, and maybe you! I even found some in the church, right there beneath the steeple; It turns out, to my great surprise… that atheists are people. Now here is the second version, “I Thought I Saw an Atheist” Revisited : …I thought I saw an atheist, upon the witness stand It couldn’t be! Not where I live! This is a Christian Land! The Constitution guarantees my right to scream and shout; As the Good Lord is my witness, I demanded “You! Get out!” I thought I saw an atheist demand an equal voice; I told him he could leave right now, and that could be his choice. I said his view was dangerous–our children must not hear! It goes against the Bible, which our government holds dear! I thought I saw an atheist nod quietly, and sigh. The odds were stacked against him, which no person can deny; What happens when a person is denied his civil right? I may have seen an atheist who’s now convinced to fight.