Dance

A rude awakening

from life's peaceful slumber,

death delivers its powerful

kick in the gut,

dancing a victory jig

as we scramble to reorient.

Clamoring for breath

like asthma patients

without rescue inhalers,

we check our lifelines,

jettisoning all lesser gods,

as the truth of their inferiority

becomes apparent.

Dogma and doctrine fade,

as do belief, rules, and rituals.

What's left?

"Hope" may best describe

the place where who we are

and what happens to us along the way

meet the plans and purposes

that God has for us,

both in the here and now

as well as in the hereafter.

Love, the dance that animates us,

when time, distance,

and even breath itself

separate us from those whose hearts

are forever intertwined with ours.

"Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God."

Matt 5:9

Photo by DeEtta Harris Jenkins

© 2013 Todd Jenkins