Civilized

All bets are off

Anything is possible

Anything can happen here

Fear in each spoonful of oatmeal

Hatred in ham sandwiches at lunch

Dissidence

Spite

Lies

Anger

Our evening stew

Violence justified

Indecency glorified

Lies equal truth

This will not end well

Anarchy and war

Guns are lifted

Pointed

Aimed

Fired

At the other

We are safe

Syria will never happen here

We are civilized

I am inspired by an Irish poet, Michael Longley, who wrote during the years of strife in his country; strife between people who lived in the same neighborhoods, walked the same streets, shopped at the same grocery stores.

I am at the same time disappointed and confused by the stances taken by people that I love. It’s hard to think that one sees things so clearly, only to have another trusted and respected friend, so clearly stand in opposition. My faith in my fellow humans is shaky; my faith in my Father is firm—come what may.

Nancy Perkins

November 6, 2016