June 10th

"And his disciples came and urged him, saying, 'Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.'" Matthew 15:23b

we would keep the
forgotten at the other side

of the fence at the playground.

we keep telling the

outsiders that they have

to learn all the rules by heart

before they can join the game.

we make justice sit 

at the very end of the bench

waiting its turn to play (which

never seems to come).

and we tell the triplets

Grace, Peace, and Hope

they are too little to hang

out with all the big kids.

but you?

you hold wide your arms,

calling, 'red rover, red rover,

send everyone over, 

and gathering them up 

in your embrace of love.

(c) 2024 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman