Advent

We mourn the destruction

of Jerusalem,

wince as slim hopes

are bruised

beneath the heel

of the enemy.

Our hearts seem

too heavy to sing

but the song

is not forgotten.

We must cling

to the lyrics

if only in silence,

live in the rhythm

of the songwriter,

praise him and find reason

to dance again

even on the streets

of Babylon.

It is right to weep

at the sight of

evil unfurling

but only for a day.

Our cities are

awash in anguish,

desperation darkens

every door

every window

and now more than ever

we bearers of

his incandescence

must shine.

We will not dance

for the evil master

nor entertain

the tormentors

but we must sing out

about the Lord

who has already written

the last lines of our lament.

He is our Advent.

Psalm 137:1–6