Alone
in the deepest night
under a starless sky
with only
wordless whimpering wind
for company

Fear 
presses in
calls for ceasefire
go unheeded
as do demands for
gun control
prisoners are not set free
hostages are not released
the brokenhearted are not lifted up

Everywhere
peoples governed by fear
ruled by one empire or another
seeking only to sustain what is
rather than create what could be –
Shalom

God’s
dream of wholeness
and well-being for all people
seems to be the impossible dream
when we refuse to repent
from our addictions to
perceived safety and
pseudo security
masquerading as
democracy

Then
comes the moment
of remembrance –
a star breaks through the clouds,
a nightbird sings,
beauty is revealed in snow-covered branches
a fox flees through the neighborhood
with cubs in tow
just as the sun tints
the horizon scarlet
with the promise of a new day

Breathing
deeply suddenly becomes 
possible as the weight
of fear is lifted
by the beauty and wonder
of Creation
illuminated
once more

I remember
safe harbors with glassy waters
the laughter of innocents
the gentleness of a lover’s embrace
the power of friendship even
across distance and years

Empire 
may rule the land
and serve only itself
by sustaining separation
between neighbors
with cultivated fear

One day 
they may come
for you
for me
I will be ready
Empire’s illusions hold no
power here
the weight of oppression
is no longer mine
alone

A new day dawns
Joy is my resistance