For Everyone Born

“There are moments that the words don’t reach…”

It’s been a hard week for so many people. I keep trying to find the words to describe the pain and disappointment but words are failing me. I hope a favourite hymn will suffice instead.

For everyone born,
a place at the table,
for everyone born,
clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space,
for everyone born,
a star overhead.

And God will delight
when we are creators of justice and joy,
compassion and peace.

For woman and man,
a place at the table,
revising the roles,
deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace
dividing the power,
for woman and man,
a system that’s fair.

For young and for old,
A place at the table,
a voice to be heard,
a part of the song,
the hands of a child
in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old
the right to belong.

For just and unjust,
a place at the table,
abuser, abused,
with need to forgive,
in anger, in hurt,
a mindset of mercy,
for just and unjust,
a new way to live.

For everyone born,
a place at the table,
to live without fear,
and simply to be,
to work, to speak out,
to witness and worship,
for everyone born,
the right to be free.