(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