moments that make you stop
press the brake
turn off the engine
witness
ponder
and weep
and i must tell you why
beholding beauty
takes intentionality
a decision
to fight the pull
of gravity
the darkness
of this world
birthed of pride
arrogance abides
amidst the lies
that sound so noble
that sound so true
but if your eyes are open
you will see
hidden in the gray light
blind leaders
with black souls
immovable stubbornness
meet resistance
with persistent songs
of hubris and insolence
and lives are lost
icy parades march on
drones scream
hearts go pale
a son cannot hear
his mother's wails and sighs
a fatherless girl
is forgotten
lost in an ocean of why
eyes taken from this world
never to witness
God’s lavish crimson stroke
on a blue canvas
Lord have mercy
help me to remember

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.*

* by Maltbie Davenport Babcock