Hope deferred and heartsick,
the waiting begins
again.
How long this time?
How long will the wicked—
predators and abusers—
exult?
How long will we
dismiss the wounded?
Or will we ignore
as the chorus cries
#metoo?
How long will we
ignore the poor,
evading their gaze,
just in case
they ask for
handouts??
How long will
debits and credits
have more hold
on us than mercy?
Or Justice?
Or Compassion?
How long will the blood of Abel
cry from the ground?
Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.
We stop up our ears, offering
Prayers and platitudes.
How long will we describe
freedom as our right to hate,
to rage, and lock others in a cage?
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Hope deferred and heartsick,
we wait.
How Long, O Lord?
How Long?
HOW LONG?
thoughts, prayers & songs: 