Lament & Prayer


Why is a punch in the face
More real
Than the love you’re supposed
To feel?

Why is where you arrive
More important
Than the fact that
You’re alive?

What I am I supposed
To think
When gamblers gamble
And drinkers
Drink?

What can be done
With a bomb and a gun
That love cannot undo,
Honest and true?

What is this rancor?
Why is there war?
God Almighty,
What’s worth fighting
And dying for?

When people spread hate
And leaders lead through fear
What in the world’s
Going on here?

Are there not enough angels?
Too few fairies?
Can they save the world?
Maybe…

If we save ourselves first.
If we love each other more.
If hate were much less.
If…

Dry our tears, Lord.
Make us all strong.
Let us all get along.