“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.