The indigenous nations
have asked for prayer —
it’s one thing I can do,
one thing they say
can really help

I’ve been steeped in stories,
wandering the internet,
my heart now ragged
from screaming with some stories
and raging against others

It has asked for a moment of silence.
It agrees that the only way
to get to truth, to peace,
is to sink down in prayer
and so I offer this:

Truth, be with us. You are
the fabric of our being
and you hold our wholeness
and you let no lie stand.
You deliver us from the ravages
of our oppressive culture

You speak to us from within,
you let us know
you are here to deliver us
from the whole centuries long
network of lies. You are here, Truth —
open all our eyes.

©Wendy Mulhern
November 27, 2016