Holy Thursday

"Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him." John 13:5

the basin is filled

drip by drip

with the tears 

of those whose loved

ones have been disappeared

and the teenager who 

was not being sought but

the heard the words 'take him anyway.'

it is filled 

drop by drop

with the sweat of all

working double shifts

to pay for burdening medical bills

while private equity firms 

make millions buying practices.

it cradles the sips of juice

held to the chapped lips

of folks sleeping rough 

on park benches and 

trans people we refuse

to accept as our siblings.

then you dip your hands

in to bathe away all

the apathy, the prejudices,

heartless dust on our hearts

so we can follow you 

as you hope we will.

(c) 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman