Poems of Doubtful Hope

They don't ever actually volunteer to tell you the truth in Omelas. Sure, they don't make a huge effort to hide it: The facts are all right there out in the open for anyone to see.  And sure, the older you get the harder it is to ignore What's happening right in front of your eyes: The subtle manipulations, the pushback anytime you question The nature of the system itself, the way you barely notice Who's missing from every place that power resides.  There are those who cry out in the streets, day after day,  Advocating for the child, begging for the end of the suffering. Some go home to joyous and warm places, Others go to hovels little better than the child's cell, But all go mostly ignored for the sake of our own happiness.  After all, we've all heard about the child, But most of us assume the stories must be exaggerated-- Why would it have to be that way? Surely there are better foundations to build a society upon! Most of those who decide to leave do so at a...

May you always find the ways that life exceeded expectations. May you always seek to understand and assume the best intentions. May life be harder than expected lest you forget just how that feels, And may compassion fill your heart whenever you look upon the broken. The trouble is the broken often look like you and me, So may God grant you observant eyes to see what mercy sees. May you fail often and struggle more so you learn from your mistakes; May you be surrounded with people who’ll love you even when that’s true. Never take for granted the gift that is each day, And never forget that sometimes the obstacle is the way. Never forget, O Mortal, what it is your God requires: Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly all the while.