April 28th

"'You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.'" Matthew 5:14

no need to look for you
where the black tie and
fancy gown crowd gathers—
you are in the shadowed alleys
where the forgotten huddle
longing for that tiny beam
of grace you bring with you.
it is not in the hallways of power
under the bright lights of media
where you wander—
but in those straits of life
where hope is blockaded
by the privileged of the world.
in every shadow of worry,
under every rock which we use
to try to hide ourselves,
in the lengthy evening of dread
creeping across the lawns
of every soul in every place,
you try to create that
Beloved Community of hope,
of grace, of inclusion, of justice,
praying we might bring
our lights to merge with yours.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman