Walk gently
in the midst of this day’s madness,
contribute nothing
to the sadness that is already in the world.
Stand ready to forgive
the rudeness that waits,
the spewing out of some heart
wrenched by the hurts of this life.

Seek out those
who seem less likable
and place some undeserved kindness
in the day that they face
with the same fears
as the rest of us.

Root out from your own heart
the stifling stalk of bitterness,
letting go of the last withering leaf
that seeks to keep you
from noticing
the flaming red of morning sky
blazing behind the stand of trees
stretching toward heaven
in the fenceline.

Let not the slightest mote
keep you from the clear vision
that God is at work
in all things,
bringing each of us
closer to his likeness.

H. Arnett
10/18/11