this or that (matt. 13:44-52)

in this kingdom
where the hopeless
are thrown into
Lake Forgotten Forever,
you cast your net,
drawing them
into your embrace,
cradling them in your heart;

in this kingdom
where folks turn anorexic
gorging on greed,
while the poor scratch
in famine's fallow fields,
you wander in,
offering top dollar
for the pearls of grace
they uncover;

in this kingdom
where hope and faith,
patience and peace
have been sold as showpieces
for fancy museums,
you come,
purchasing them back,
polishing off the dust,
handing them to us
so we can see the reflection

of that kingdom
you forged for us.

(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman