Hunger

Fear is the tactic of those

who have either abandoned

or never received/understood hope.

It generates nutritionless fare

that must be served repeatedly,

yet never satisfies humanity's basic hunger.

Violence is the weapon used

to force air out of a culture's lungs.

It preys on breathless angst,

expecting retaliation and escalation

to intensify isolation and selfishness.

Love, as response,

is the lone non-sequitur

that can give birth to a different cycle.

Every society must be reminded

of this gift's power to melt adversaries

into reflections of grace.

It is not the choice of cowards,

but only of those who have been

differently-gifted with the courage

to risk self for other.

In this very desire,

hope is rekindled, hatred quenched.

Come to the table of

forgiveness and abundance;

come as invited guest;

come to taste life itself:

dense bread and sweet wine

that satisfy beyond wildest imagination.

© 2013 Todd Jenkins