Day One

it seems important
(on most days,
according to TV's talkingheads
and radio's angry voices)
to focus on
what separates us . . .
religious, economic, political -
deep-held 'beliefs' and opinions;

we look at our lifestyle
and then at another's
and shake our heads
in disbelief and wonder
at how 'they'
talk, or act, or think;

in these days
is it any wonder
our world is so polarized,
so divided?

but you promise
there will come a time
when Red-staters and skateboarders
will play together
in your kingdom;
when those who hoard
will be shattered
by generosity;
when predators will stop prowling
and protect the most vulnerable.

in that Day
(your Day!)
O Lord,
we will rejoice!

(c) 2007 Thom M. Shuman

questions

how childish they were,
those early questions:
why is science so hard?
what does that little girl think of me?
will 'it' be under the tree?

then, like life,
the questions got harder:
what will be my major?
will i meet that 'right' person?
what's the new boss like?
will 'it' be in my stocking?

now, no longer a child,
it's just an ever lengthening list
i plant to carry with me
till i meet God:
is there something (anything!)
on the other side of death?
are you as faithful as all
the psalmists, the poets,
the preachers tell us?
will 'it' turn out okay for me?

all my alife
(all my life!!!)
i've been carrying
these (and more)
questions,
Wise God.

help me to find
the correct answers -
not just the convenient
ones.

(c) 2007 Thom M. Shuman