And in the middle of people losing their minds
their thinking minds
getting hot and woke and snarly
instead of humble and wise
in this wacky outrage culture where we demand the kingdom
but not The King
there are

first baby giggles after
evening park picnics
where your son gives his birthday present to
the boy who has no shoes
and your daughter whispers
so much
after she tells you she loves you
her arms caught around your neck
her strong heart pressed against
your stricken one
and the baby giggles while you pray
over the other babies who had no shoes
no mama
no drink
no food

you pray and you are doing the work
the holy work of raising souls who
will maybe learn to be still instead of be noise
be hands instead of empty clanging banging
for The King
Thy kingdom come