did you speak in the thunder
last night,
or in the laughter
of the children
waiting at the corner
for the bus?

did you flash a sign
to me in the lightning,
or illuminate
the shadows of my heart?

did you try to
grab my attention
or simply, quietly
turn my face
to the suffering
in your creation?

do you talk to me,
O God,

and do I listen?
Amen.

(c) 2005 Thom M. Shuman