"Where God Ain't" (Poem)

Author Unknown

The Omnipresence of God

This simple, classic poem reminds us that God is everywhere. Whether we look at a caterpillar, a bird’s nest, or a wiggly worm, we can see the hand of our Creator.

He was just a little boy, out on a week’s first day.
He was headed home from Sunday school and dawdling (moving slowly or wasting time) on the way.
He scuffed his shoes into the grass; he found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod and blew out all the “filler.”
A bird’s nest in a tree overhead, so wisely placed on high,
Was just another wonder that caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zigzag course and hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he’d been that day and what was going on.
“I’ve been to Bible school,” he said and turned a piece of sod (a block of grass and soil).
He picked up a wiggly worm replying, “I’ve learned a lot of God.”

“M’m very fine way,” the neighbor said, “for a boy to spend his time.
If you can tell me where God is, I’ll give you a brand new dime.”
Quick as a flash the answer came; nor were his accents (tones of voice) faint:
“I’ll give you a dollar, mister, if you can tell me where God ain’t.”