Black Lives Matter: We claim to be enlightened

Another poetic prayer today from my book In a World of Tears & Sorrow. It covers not just racism, but several examples of prejudice – issues that have seen great strides made but where much still remains to be done.

We claim to be enlightened,
to welcome people in,
but some are still despised for
the colour of their skin.

We claim to be inclusive,
embracing straight and gay,
but actions all too often
belie the words we say.

We claim to be accepting,
more tolerant of all,
but bigotry and hatred
between us build a wall.

We claim to be more equal,
the gender gap addressed,
but wrongs are still too common
and need to be redressed.

God, may your love and goodness
shape everything we feel.
May openness define us –
unquestionably real.