Lines Drawn in the Sand
Division,
it surrounds us.
Although, it feels more
like subtraction.
Taking, removing,
and diminishing who we are,
making us certain who others are
based on what "side"
they're on.
Lines drawn in the sand.
We're digging deep trenches.
Making sure those sides
are so very clearly marked off.
Grains of sand
mix with sweat,
whipped up in feverish fury as we dig.
Our sight becomes muddy.
Accusations fly.
Daggers trying to
pierce and shred.
Echo chambers overflowing
with talking points.
That's what we've become.
Lines drawn in the sand.
Hiding behind
our screens,
we launch our attack.
Sticks and stones and words all hurt.
Would we type
the same words
if we looked past the screen,
to the image-bearing soul
on the other side?
"You are the enemy!"
"No, you are!"
The frenzied push
towards fear and hate.
Now that enemy
is their name,
what's left to do is fight,
right?
Fear of the unknown
based on all
we think we know.
Things best suited for jars
are carelessly slapped on people.
Labels based on what others
have screamed at us to believe.
Add that to the mud in our eyes
and it's a wonder
we can even stand.
I hope in the day
when lines of division
are a thing of the past.
The tide will roll in
and wash them away.
Justice will roll down
like waters,
and righteousness
like an ever-flowing stream.
You've told us
what love is,
and how it never fails.
That is the line
we should learn
to dig deeply.
To love you and others,
the only side
I'll ever fight to be on.
Time to draw
some new lines in the sand.