August 23rd

“Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me;
    all day long foes oppress me;
my enemies trample on me all day long,
   for many fight against me.
O Most High, when I am afraid,
   I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:1-3

some treat the forgotten
as if they are simply door mats
on which they can wipe their privilege.
some see outsiders
as those who look as if they
are ready to give birth to justice
and so, slam the doors in their faces.
some have no problem using
others as steppingstones to success
or as ladders to climb to power.
yet, all those whose knees knock,
whose heels are snapped at
by fear’s sharp teeth,
whose names are whispered
in the shadows of hate,
are the torch bearers
of your Beloved Community.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman