Pearls before Pigs

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." Matthew 7:1-6

Pearls and Pigs

We cannot dance on this ground anymore
it was never sacred but now washed
in the blood of innocents, bathed in jealousy
rage and tyranny, we run to shelters change
identity and slip across continents and borders
as refugees.

The terror of judgment scapegoats
innocents civilians living and loving children
running in the sun shaking from blasts
screaming crying we are moving frantic
with worry avoiding the giant teeth of loathing
grinding with desire and rage seeking
our precious pearls of love and compassion.

Hide away you little flowers you gentle wisps
of hope and fragile dreams these are not the ones
bearing freedom but aching for blood and visage
unsatisfied with tender morsels brooding
to conquer, to own, to digest.

You are holy, marked by the beloved lips sealed
with water and bright spirit tender
to the heart of God.

Fear not and move quickly loving
sheltering arms will enfold you will quiet
your heart and give you to sleep.