family

"But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?'” Matthew 12:48

my mother?

the single woman

juggling school, 2 jobs,

kids (one with disabilities),

the ridicule of neighbors.

my sibling?

the older citizen 

having to go back

to work in their 70's

because the investment firm

misspent their pension.

my grandchildren?

all those young people

demanding, with ever

increasing concern and fear,

a change in how creation is treated.

my family?

every one, any one,

with dreams turned to ashes,

with losses too overwhelming,

with loneliness so unbearable.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo:  @Thom-Shuman