no holiday

“They rise in the darkness as

         a light for the upright;

   they are gracious,

         merciful, and

         righteous.”  Psalm 112:4

in the morning gloom

you dress quietly,

putting on your work boots

in the kitchen so as

not to disturb us sleeping

under the warm covers, and

stepping outside, you greet

your neighbors Justice, Mercy,

and Grace, and together,

you walk down to the corners

where the vulnerable are huddled

wondering if anyone ever notices them.

© 2019 Thom M. Shuman