November 5th

"These things I remember, 

     as I pour out my soul:" Psalm 42:4a

here is what i will cling to

this day, and i pray, in all

those days to come,

that

when the hurlers of hate

are the loudest, love's whispers

will be heard in our hearts.

that

when the demagogues of despair

think they have convinced the crowds,

hope will be marked on more ballots.

that when cruelty targets outsiders,

trying to sell us locks for our doors,

more folk will put out welcome mats.

that when gangs of grudges lurk

like frighteners in the shadows,

we will hold tight to one another

as grace walks us home.

(c) 2024 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman