canticle 121

our eyes cast down onto

sheol’s road, you tip up

our chins so we can see hope

leaping over the horizon,

running our way through

creation’s flowery fields.

you help us to stay steady

on our feet in the gusts of life;

we won’t catch you daydreaming

you hold us, and all your children

tight to your heart, refusing

to nod off no matter how weary.

you are our babysitter, our guardian;

you are a shady oak on a hot day,

cooling us with sweet lemonade,

showing us how to use a telescope

to explore the moon each night.

you refuse to let the malicious

to gain power over us;

you wrap us in your arms

when we tremble with fear.

whether we are relaxing at home,

running errands, facing down bullies,

trying to stand up to injustice –

wherever, whenever; here, there;

yesterday, today, tomorrow

you are

with us, beside us, for us

© 2020 Thom M. Shuman