To shine, to gladden
To weep when I am
maddened
At people’s malice
towards each other—
These are the tasks of
a prophet,
Of a preacher.
We must learn to shine
together,
To wash our hands at
our kitchen sinks
—remembering each
other,
To sip our morning
coffee slowly
—blessing each
other.
We must speak well of
each other
When we talk on the
phone,
Reach out for equity
In each and every
email.
Yes, the lamp above
your bed
Is a halo for you—