April 24th

"He led me all round them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, ‘Mortal, can these bones live?’ I answered, ‘O Lord GOD, you know.’” Ezekiel 37:2-3

these muscles which
are twisted by weariness,
can the knots be untied
by the fingers of grace?
these tendons which are
stretched beyond tautness
trying to push our fears away,
can they find some relief
in the gentle massage of compassion?
these bones, brittle and threatening
to splinter into shards which
might puncture my soul,
can they be strengthened
by hope?
these lives which seem
to be pulled apart by those
seductive songs of hate,
can they become a community
again, by your justice?
if you know, God,
could you stop being
so close-mouthed about it?

(c) 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman