This standing watch
is not without its distractions
but I am starting to learn
not to go barking off after decoys,
not to be taken from the inside
by what calls itself indignation,
what calls itself wounds,
not to be undermined
by complacency, and not to be
thrown off course by blame

I will watch to see
that no lies about anyone
can obscure their precious essence,
and no caul of helplessness
can obstruct our needed action

I appeal to the Truth
that knows more than I do
about these things
and will flood out
all the obfuscation
with its light.

©Wendy Mulhern
November 12, 2016