If you’ve been reading the lectionary passages this past week, you’ve been reading a lot of Job. It’s an apropos reminder, as we finally begin to hear from Elihu, of the cacophony of voices shouting over one another in our political spheres. Each voice attempting to present their own wise perspective, or slam the faulty perspectives of their opponent. When the friends of Job finally seem to have exhausted their words, young Elihu steps forward in Job 32:1-22. Here is a poem I wrote in response, found in my books of poetry in response to the lectionary readings…
How many more Elihu
Have building pressure within?
Waiting, in this noisy world
For silence to begin
As the loudest voices argue
Or share their pompous views
While the powerless remain so
And the injured are abused
While the indebted remain bound by debt
Or hunger in their pangs
While so many search for wisdom
Only the noise remains
Yet Lord, may pressure build even now
May Elihu not keep quiet
On behalf of those in power
And those in suffering by it
May those with your heart burst to speak
No longer keeping silent
May healing come to those injured
And peace where some are violent
May I release the Word You give
The Love that flesh becomes
May Your Reign revealed through such Words
Cast out all false kingdoms
(Amen.)
words from wick 