Winter Precipice

By Ron Faust

      ... It feels cold outside ...
The right wing has whacked the essence
     Out of the faith in a socialist liberal Jesus
    Creating a worldview disconnected
        From reality,
     Imprisoned in apocalyptic violence
    Comforted by a totalitarian culture
         Filled with rage and fear.
They have hijacked the Christian faith
     Making for a heresy of crazy ideas.

  ... Today it's cold in Congress ...
This nation stands on a precipice
     Avoiding reality
    With amusing entertainment
         And false security,
        And build-up of nuclear weapons,
     Taking down programs
    Of universal health care,
         Of comprehensive immigration,
        Of employees' free choice,
             Of a relevant jobs program.

      ... It's cold inside ...
     While values are easily ignored, once shaped
    From thoughtful Biblical heritage
         That shares the story of creation,
        That hears the Exodus urgency for the poor,
             That sees the rescuing sweep of Shalom.

      ... Still it's warm inside the heart ...
So what can the resistance of a few peacemakers do,
    Not knowing that they are peacemakers,
        But no matter, the unseen waves of their actions
May just be what saves the world from itself.


(On the occasion of watching illusions override reality as a rally raises
questions about the logic of nuclear build-up and Jewish legend says 36
righteous souls will save the earth) 12/15/10

Ron Faust, a Disciples of Christ minister, and his wife, Toni, braved the cold of the Dec. 18 rally at the new site for nuke production in KC.