Election Prayer #2

Nate Wilbert

October 26, 2020

I walk in the land of the living. How should I then live?

How do I seek the health of the city, the body, mine 

and yours both? This fall, to whom do I give a vote? 

For years I lived in Dallas: Big Hair, Big Biz, Big Tex, Big D!

Good memories. 

Yet where my passivity and proclivities helped 

break my fidelity. I was so full of fear and selfish 

“Don’t bother me!” I’d lurch from one conflict-free 

relationship to another, hiding. I still have times I want 

to just slide on down the street away from a side, 

wall off, and watch my feet. Or just as bad, mimic a 

Babylon Father who for the sake of a form of law throws 

out Good News; who practices strife and enmity, bursts 

of anger, dissent, and dispute; who relays gossip and 

half-truths. When I do, I do what I don’t want to do: 

I act the fool. 

God, help me instead act like one who sees and serves; 

who joins the mess, comes to be with folk in their distress; 

who rehabilitates, emancipates, and wakes the

body, mind, and soul. Help me trust you’re over all. 

I can’t vote for a fool this fall.

Nate Wilbert lived in Texas for 25 years until recently, but now lives near the Adirondacks of New York with his wife. You can read more of his poetry at: https://www.emptytheempyrean.com.