I know you know
about God‘s beloved
shivering on the floor
Wondering how hope turned into terror
Upon arrival in the promised land
I know you know
about swaddled babies
ripped from their mothers
born at the wrong time
in the wrong place
in the wrong skin
I know you know
about free flu shots
waiting idle in boxes
while the cough begins to spread
Among the Other
Waiting idle in boxes
I know you know
about the human crossing borders
binding people into suffering
instead of protecting them from fear
I know you know
about our old lady
Standing with the lamp
Waiting for tired huddled masses
yearning to be free
needing to be White
I know you know
about the stable
Home to donkeys
A new family
And earthly bribes
For a heavenly gift
I know you know
about sanctuary in Egypt
A fearsome flight
For first time parents
hiding the light of the world
in Ill fitting clothes
begging him to stay quiet
hoping for one more miracle
I know you know
Whether Mary would be safe
In your care
Or if you’d remind her
That Jews don’t belong here
Without looking into her eyes
I know you know
This is Christmas in America
© Gayle Force Press 2019
A poem by Franklin Oliver
The WhoDeannyPod 