“First They Came” with respect to Martin Niemoller

by Roy E. Spears © 2018

First they came for the Christian bakers, and I did not speak out—

because I was not a Christian baker.

Then they came for the Christian florists and photographers, and I did not speak out—

because I was not a Christian florist or photographer.

Then they came for the Christians who opposed same-sex marriage, and I did not speak out—

because I was not married.

Then they came for the Christians who believed that “God created them male and female,” and I did not speak out—

because by now I was becoming afraid.

Then they came for the Christian students, and I did not speak out—

because I was no longer a student.

Then they came for the Christian pastors, and I still did not speak out—

because I was not a pastor.

Then they came for all the Christians, and I did not speak out—

because I was now terrified.

Then they came for me—but there was no one left to speak for me.