Hallowed Ground

Hallowed ground 

on a busy street.

A lifeless body covered

in a golden sheet.

I saw your picture,

I cried to heaven.

A great struggle took place in my heart.

On one side rage

the other side peace

and they fought all night 

like ravenous beasts.

When the morning came 

I felt the calm.

Peace had prevailed

the battle was won.

I know the cold ground is undeserving of you.

I know your family is struggling without you.

I know that I ran to hug my own child.

I know I did not let go for a long while.

But death, there is no death,

just a changing of worlds.

and you will sail on

your flag unfurled.

As for us, 

who on earth still remain

we will raise your sacred flag.

And in so doing, 

we will call all to overcome

bitterness and strife

with goodness and light.

And we will not stop

until your battle is won.

Hollowed ground,

on a busy street.

We wait for you, 

an eye on the East.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father,

I see the anger,

flowing tears.

The furrowed brow,

I smell the fear.

The air is rank

with lies.

The night echoes

with cries.

I look around

it has no end.

This pain has been

long as the world has been.

The truth is not shrouded 

in mystery,

as a faceless mother

weeping.

The truth is waiting

in a dark place 

void of light.

But to wield the torch

will take great might.

Might of mind.

Might of heart.

Might of spirit.

Might of love.

Might to call 

upon the powers 

above.

I know there is one

whom we have forgotten, 

the One who is named

the Only Begotten.

We have shunned him 

from our lives.

And now we cry

in the absence of light.

We are all one in him.

He sees no color of skin.

He has known us from

before the world was,

and he will save us in the end.

Through him 

weak things are made strong,

our souls refined. 

And with our new might,

we can take this world 

from darkness to light.

Amen.

G.C.