Minuscular

(In honor of World Water Day 2013)

I’m with the minuscule who hold the majority;

among the few of earth’s inhabitants

who control most of its resources.

I seldom ask why,

or if I’m supposed to have them,

or do something in particular with them.

I just mostly take them for granted,

plowing through them like a mule in a briar patch,

smiling while they cut me to pieces.

But sometimes they ask me;

just blurt it right out

in front of God and everyone:

“Have you any idea of the arrogance of thinking

your material abundance is significant

in the grand scheme of things?”

It makes me wonder how few earthly inhabitants

are concerned that their extra automobile

is getting long in the tooth;

gives me consideration for what percentage of people

on this blue dot look past a bulging cupboard

in search of something “good” to eat;

causes me to contemplate the absurdity

of bathing in and flushing countless gallons

that would give new life to millions who die daily;

brings home the truth that we’re all

impoverished by emptiness and brokenness

that come in forms more than material;

gives me pause to realize that grace

does not come from a catalog or a store shelf,

but overflows from a heart of gratitude.

I am indeed among the minuscule,

but we are far from alone;

because the universe is one.

© 2013 Todd Jenkins