2021
The new year casts new light— a glowing, halo-shaped hope
But our eyes had only just adjusted to the darkness
Barely glimpsed the cracks of injustice in the foundation of normal
Hardly peeled away the chipped paint on touched-up portraits
Do not forget the lessons you learned—
Steep in knowing we live an off-kilter life
Acknowledge the pain, hate, and division that festers with inattention
Hold no room for apathy and ignorance
Breathe, heal, and begin anew; begin with renewed attention
Renewed accountability, renewed resolve, renewed compassion
Give gentleness a seat at the table
Listen to the tear-stained cheeks of grief
Heed the warnings of selfishness
Remember the silence of loneliness
Echo the names and lives that were lost, altered, martyred
Use the light of the new year to bring attention where it is needed most
