Tarnished

Like fine silver

we emerge as babes into this life

only for trouble and sorrow

to strip away that shine.

This world asks

no, demands

we satisfy ourselves at the expense of others

and so idolatry begets strife

and strife begets pain

and pain leaves us rusted and rotten

joints frozen, machine seized.

Let a little light in

to warm and to soften

and seek those things that bring

happiness and healing

camaraderie and love

and watch the machine come alive.