(composed 7/24/23 - sadly still relevant - but I guess there is an overall message that there is hope for all asses)
THE ASS SAW THE ANGEL
Rushing into Balaam’s error
the rising tide of intolerance
misunderstanding and hatred
in the name of righteousness
the self-righteous persecute, shut-out
and prosecute those who are different
sameness is celebrated
difference ridiculed
summary judgement executed
and the ass saw the angel
migrants who seek a better life
are pushed down, pushed out
or just pushed
whipped for the color of their skin
their country of origin
their beliefs and lifestyle
and the ass saw the angel
blind to the flaming sword in front of them
the ignorant beat the drums of war
waving banners of injustice and fear
fools asleep in the light
loving the sounds of their own voices
drowning out the voice of angels
and the ass saw the angel
killing dreams
killing hope
killing difference
values killing
beliefs killing
love killing
and the ass saw the angel
* “the spirit of the Lord is on me
he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor
he has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
recovery of sight for the blind
release the oppressed
to proclaim the year of the Lords favor”
and the ass saw the angel
* see Isaiah 61:1,2 and Luke 4:18,19