We Must

It is scary

to be honest

and vulnerable

in a world

of facades

it is frightening

to bear

your heart

to a blood thirsty

people

it is daunting

to stand tall

in the face of

your fears

it is difficult

to stare

your demons

in the eyes

but

we must

we must

not be afraid

we must

believe in our own

goodness

we must

throw our heads up high

and walk boldly into

the light

we are called

onward

to something greater

we are called

to love

even our enemies

we are called

to shine a light

into the darkness

if the world is

what we make it

let us make it

one

of authentic fellowship,

radical hospitality, and

vulnerable love

let us create

a reality

in which we are proud

to live

A Gamble

Life is like a coin

Constantly flipping through the air

Heads

Tails

Tails

Heads

Heads

Tails

We can

never be sure

which side

will be shining up at us

As we come and we go

We laugh and we cry

We stand and we fall

We run and we walk

We live and we die

This world

is full of opposing stories

And we never know

which story will be ours to hold

It’s a gamble; a toss up

Heavy

Heavy

with the weight

of the world

on my shoulders,

I roll over

and cry

hot tears

into the sheets

wrapped around

my body

I cry into

the sheets

that I am fortunate enough

to be wrapped in

I cry out

within enclosed walls

I am fortunate enough

are still standing

I cry out

of a white body

that has granted

me

privileges

I have yet

to fully comprehend

I cry out

into a broken world

that, daily,

breaks my heart

anew

I cry out

in hopes

that someone is listening

I cry out

to remind myself

of my own

living power

I cry out

in hopes

that

it will make a difference

I cry out

to get me through

another day

and remind me that

I am still here

and

I will continue to rise