LET THERE BE

a prayer for the nation

LET THERE BE

by Michael D. Warden

Let there be light
and agents of light
you and me
with eyes wide open
seeing
as we’re meant to
things as they are

Let us
recall each other
graciously.
Our humanness
requires
a generous forbearance 
on account 
of our perpetual 
bewilderment

We stumble upon
any little thing—
a flicker of light
beneath
a closed door—
and rush
to believe we know
what’s behind it

Imagine.

Let there be
breathing, then

in

out

a slowing
down

yes, like that
a gentle widening
of the distance 
between stimulus
				     and response

It’s a perfectly 
beautiful option
to simply 
not know

This great unfolding
grace
does not need
your certainty
nor require
your protection
to do its work

Relax.

Unfurl your fists.

Release
the white-knuckle grip
on all that anger
you think you need

You don’t.

We don’t.

We can’t 
				anymore.

Let there be
peace
flowing down us now
like oil
on Aaron’s beard,
and sorrow
yes
and grief
a true lament
for what might have been

It isn’t fair, is it,
that we all
got broken 
so early in the dance?

Let there be, then,
an awakening,
the enfolding
of tears,

for justice

for mercy

for love

have for too long
been strangers 
to our communion

Enough.

Enough.

Enough.

I love you.

Let all
that is darkness
fall away
and come undone
that you and me
with eyes wide open
may see 
as we’re meant to 
things as they are