Say Not the Stranger
Say not the stranger has nothing to teach,
No wisdom to share, no worthy views to impart;
Such a meeting may offer a startling reach
Of learning, friendship, guidance, some fresh start.
Discernment is crucial lest we be led astray
By a false friend, or charlatan bent on harm,
Who will poison the well and only bring dismay;
The corrupters an Unseen Friend will help to disarm.
Strangers’ gifts are open to those who care,
A gracious Providence has so willed,
Thereby we may meet some angels unaware,
Even encounter the Christ and prove Emmaus fulfilled.
—James A. Langley
