Awaken

Between the soft billows

Of grey clouds upon the horizon,

A soul-piercing beam

Of red-hot sunlight

Pokes its face out

To say hello.

“Wake up!” it calls

To sleepy heads,

Closed minds,

Closed hearts.

“Have mercy!” it pleads.

Deep down, there is compassion.

Beneath the rough-hewn shell,

There is a being

Formed in the image of God.