A Psalm — for Courage

I wrote a small psalm to share with the main mother in my life and she thought I should share it with you. I have been admiring the film-makers who are the prophets of the unbelieving world, these days. They are no more heeded than God's own spokespeople. But the call remains.

Lord, save us from the liars

And from our own lies.

The ice cap is still melting,

But we did kill Osama bin Laden.

There were no WMDs in Iraq,

But we do know that Obama is Hawaiian.

The perps of the money melt down still reign,

But we are now friends with Duchess Kate.

Forgive us as we calculate

How much it costs

to tell the truth.

Each keystroke hurts;

Each small look a threat

Of crass resistance.

The iciness is growing,

So we kill our terror with quiet.

New enemies rummage around in us,

So we deftly adapt reality.

The audacious win the power,

So we turn our minds to drivel.

Forgive us as we obsfucate

How much it costs

To live in truth –

Each threat of conflict,

Each painful question

A reason to live a lie.

You have caused yourself endless trouble

Being and telling truth.

You have caused us endless trouble

Following and discerning.

We lack your courage.

Speak it into being.