if we’d stop shouting at each other…

the burnt edges of the holy book.the hand that fits the yearning hand.the light inside the shadow.the cross carried without a murmur.the house built out of simple things.the grandchild, and the old dog.the plane dropping medicineinstead of bombs.the oil rig shut down and deserted.moonlight on the ocean calm.straw huts burning with devouring fire.lines of women…

had to let go…in order for the wingsto learn to fly!the heart that graspedyour heart, clinging for love,had to let go…in order for your heartto return again!

now all of us here on the bottom endof the economic system know this feeling again….trapped, caged, angry, fearful….it’s not about color, religion, language, or whatever….these are only the clothes we wear.it’s about human beings being disrespected,about dignity and honor taken.we went about our ways,working, dreaming, just trying to live…and turned a blind eye to…

or your shoes…i am not your destination,not a road sign,not a drink of cool water.i am not the fire that warms you,not the cool evening breeze.i am not the dawn,i am not the knowing,nor your heavy breathingas you walk.i am not the reason,nor the answer…i am not your path.i am but the memorythat feeds your…

whose voice whispers in the quiet?whose hand upon your shoulder?when the show is over,and they roll the credits…will your name be called?what will they say you have done?did you feed someone hungry,throw a blanket over the cold?did you wipe away a tear?did you hold the hand of a frightened child?did you stand against the wars?did…

i can taste…cornbread, beans,fried chicken,hell, everything fried!barbeque, good whiskey,southern baptist revivals,dark eyed girls moaning,fresh turned earth on the plow,oak split by the axe,squirrels, rabbits, and frogs…and yes, the hanging tree,the buses partitioned by hate,the factories sucking life’s blood,now shut down and haunted.the milk cows gone dry,and doors that are now locked.the meth lab taste of…