I was shocked, confused, bewildered

As I entered Heaven’s door,

Not by the beauty of it all,

Nor the lights of its decor.

But it was all the folks in Heaven

Who made me sputter and gasp--

The thieves, the liars, the sinners,

The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade

Who swiped my lunch money! Twice.

Next to him was my old neighbor

Who never said anything nice.

Jerry, who I always thought

Was rotting away in hell,

Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,

Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal?

I would love to hear Your take.

How’d all these sinners got up here?

God must’ve made a mistake!

‘And why’s everyone so quiet,

So somber? — Please give me a clue.’

Hush, child,’ He said, ‘It’s because

They’re all in shock.

No one thought they’d be seeing you.’

Author unknown