oh my weary kindred

oh my weary kindred
hearts bleeding
eyes blurred by tears
forever falling without ceasing

we are the chosen
to carry this mantle

what now feels like our
ultimate burden

to be those
who always
seek to find
the good

when good is
ever elusive

in the imagery
splashed on screens
witnessed in our streets
shattered in our places of
worship

but it is there
trust me
please, i beg you

it is in the quiet moments
the glancing smiles between
kindred strangers
the warmth of hellos
across grocery store counters

in the emails you don't send
in the messages of hope
you do share

it is in you, your very
existence as my
kindred
MY KINDRED

we are the visage of the divine
wholly and holy made to be
the light amongst
darkest shadows

it is our birthright, kindred
to be kind