we gather in this place,
warm, safe, secure,
trusting and believing
that you are with us.

they gather
on rooftops
waving signs for help;

they gather
in a football stadium
seeking safety and security;

they gather
at the levees
to pile up sandbags
to try to stop the flooding;

they gather
in shelter at schools
reaching out to help
the children and elderly;

they gather,
from all parts of the country,
to offer all that they have
to those who have lost everything.

Lord,
keep your promise
to be with us
wherever we gather.

(c) 2005 Thom M. Shuman