POEM: A lament for those left

The Renew Community

A lament for those left

(This lament will be quick because I can’t stay here.)

Well, they left—

Some had good reasons even

And it’s us that’s left

Part of me says forget those left

Part of me can’t

But which version of me’s what’s best?

And I’m,

left

Thinking about the body

and an arm walks off

I can’t, like, reach as far

And they do leave scars

but we can walk on

They left for good reasons I guess

We’re left for good reasons I guess

So let’s be the body that’s left

And bless the bodies that left

And be our best

Let me not be he to sort out

all the rest

And the good news is

there’s room that’s left

Nice new chairs, but we never forget the old,

do we?

Is the old what’s best?

Are we the old wine, really?

The good news is

the tomb’s empty and the pressure’s off

So the would-be tithers and could-be helpers

and mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers—

Go—

And as you go,

Remember Jesus loves you

And Renew loves you

And let’s each take a piece of what’s left