We Weep with the Willow

by Kathy Czekaj
Manasquan Meeting

When a whole city drowns

When a forest is in flames

We still hang on to hope

As we weep with the willow.

When nature breathes so hard

Choking on its own pollution

When the lakes dry up from drought

We pray while our earth cries out.

In the storms of destruction on a gusty summer’s day

For those forced to migrate as their homes are washed away

We lament our actions, or lack of such

As our earth cries out, how much? How much?

For the dried-up crops, sown never to reap

For hungry children, our promises to keep

We pray, change our hearts from stone into flesh

And please, won’t you guide our feet as we step?

We weep with the willow

But what do we know?

Our tears water fields

Where hope may grow.