Lamenting Our National Tragedy:
Wherein Does Our Hope Lie  

Living in a nation and its’ society of
dominant systems with its’ daily
lies , propaganda, and apologists
leaving us gasping and grasping

In this world where individuals
are challenged as to their truth and place
constantly being pounded into numbness
leaving us vulnerable and exiled

Struggling to meet our primary needs
of true self and belonging
and nourishment and growth
leaving us wounded and suffering

Is there any authentic community
of true selves becoming where we belong
to meet one another’s needs in relationship
we are left to question and wonder

Wherein does our hope for redemption come
from the chaos and descent of this world
and the darkness of these troubled times
we return to our relationship to the Divine 

Universal Christ hear our cries of grief
and songs of lament from our symbol carriers,
our prophets, poets, mystics, artists,
agents of restorative justice, and all seekers

Awaken in us all your Eternal Cosmic Vision
of kin-dom in diverse community
of radical grace, love, mercy, justice, and hope
like truth rolling down like water

Singing our lamentations, crying out,
protect us from evil leaders and their followers
as we have our collective visions and dream
our dreams, returning to you, be here with us now

Herb Stone, here&now working poetry
October 2019

Photos: Prophets, Poets, Visionaries, Dreamers,
and Change Agents We Should Know
(living and Maya Angelo recently deceased)

Reverend Doctor William Barber II
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Maya Angelo
Walter Brueggemann
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Richard Rohr
Toko-pa Turner
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez