obloquy

"Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, 

   for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than its fill
   of the scorn of those who are at ease,
   of the contempt of the proud." Psalm 123:3-4

let the powerful pour out

as much scorn as they have

stored up in their hearts,

we will not stop filling 

the emptiness of the forgotten

with all the hope they need.

let the arrogant continue

to mock us for seeking justice

for all who are dismissed so easily,

but we will not cease our struggles

for diversity, equality, and inclusion.

let the wealthy offer their 

daily diet of obloquy all they want,

but we will never give up 

on seeking a system where ethics

apply to politicians and judges 

who think they get to set their own rules.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman