Common Ground

In these days when political correctness is not politically correct ...

When pundits talk of two sides in their own bubbles ...

When we are so reticent to share what we believe,

concerned that things we say

not hurt or offend someone else ...

In these days of polarization ...

Is there no common ground?

Is not the common ground tolerance and understanding?

Is not the common ground justice and equality for all?

Is not the common ground abhorrence of hate and embrace of love?

Once upon a time, a year or so ago,

I thought there was a wide, beautiful river of common ground

running through our hearts, our world.

I yearn for that time before I saw

the truth of what we have become.

God, have mercy on us

and give us wisdom and compassion.

God, have mercy on us

and give us courage to speak truth and act for justice.

God, have mercy on us

and show us the way to redemption.