Shock and awe

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door
Not by the beauty of it all
By the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp
The thieves, the liars, the sinners
The alcoholics, 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.

Uncle Bill, 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 get up here?
God must have made a mistake."

"And why is everyone so quiet
So somber? Please give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He. "They're all in shock.
No one thought they'd see you!"​