Treasure in Heaven

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10:17-22

Privilege

The private schools taught well
the ways of the world
a conquering hero, a wise investor
building and designing a future
a handshake, an inclusion
belonging without deserving
privilege gained by legacy.

On one's own with all the toys
you built a life based on solid
objects and commitments portfolios
gifts given and prizes won
and darkness still falls again
and a hear sinks on the sea of despair.

Love can raise sinking boats
can stop the wind and change the tide
love can break the mold and the prison
can turn the angry soft and compassionate
and remake sad eyes in to visions
of new light every morning.

You can walk the path of privilege
you can chose the road of love.

Safety and security are a privilege
rough seas and rocky roads the others
but one path is hollow the other lit
with radiant fire, love's dance that lasts
through the darkest night.

Drop the baggage and share the wealth
come dance on the green grass tender welcoming
finding friends and companions on this road
you will never miss the control switch
you will have traded it for a deep abiding love
a fellowship of broken, loving vagabonds
and a heart full of songs.