Saturday, November 21, 2015

WHILE GOING THROUGH MY CLOSET

While going through my clothing 
at the change of season 
I long for a walk-in closet.

But then, I remember 
that some families live in houses
the size of a walk-in.

Still others search for home
via boats on the harsh November sea.

I cannot fear those shivering children 
or the parents who flee with them from violence.
I will not buy the idea that an entire people group should be shunned as evil.

The world has endured at least one such holocaust
and we ask how it could have happened.
It happened because one person at a time chose her own comforts over the well-being of others.

I've lived a life of near constant tranquility.

Therefore, should some random act of violence 
take my breath away,
I ask for the grace to die praying for the perpetrator.
Praying that he or she discovers the same Peace 
that seems to have so randomly selected me.

 
Samaritan's Purse volunteers putting arms of Love around grateful refugees.

10 comments:

  1. Joyce,
    Your poem is SO beautiful and your heart as well. I sobbed as I watched this video too. Very touching. I'll definitely share this one on FB.

    Proud of you and your new book that's to be published!

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Linda! And thank you for sharing it on Facebook. That means so much! Blessing to you and Scotty this Thanksgiving.

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  2. What a wonderful poem, Joyce. Thank you for sharing it with us. Your words mirror my feelings exactly.

    This country turned away Jewish refugees in WWII and now some want to do it again with the Syrians fleeing their country. Even after 911 and Paris, and everything in-between, I think it's the wrong thing to do. What I find ironic are the people who point to the Statue of Liberty as our icon of freedom and totally forget her words: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...

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  3. Beautiful and thought provoking poem. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. This is lovely, Joyce. I appreciate you putting it out there to make us all think more about these issues.

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  5. Joyce,
    I loved this and shared it on Facebook. It made me cry and rightfully so.

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  6. Meaningful thoughts for this Thanksgiving season. Thanks, Joyce.

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