Imagine

the late 1980’s
United States of America

A gathering

with linking hands

from coast to coast;

 

an unbroken chain

of communities

linked despite

differences;

 

Hands Across America

 

in common cause

a benefit to feed hungry Americans

a frozen frame

captures my hand

reaching

to Link with

my neighbor

 

outwardly different

age difference

race difference

Coming to wholeness

in common cause

 

“Bring me your hunger

your weak

your weary”

 

United as Americans

welcoming Dreamers, refugees,

asylum seekers,

 

Hands linked in community

Abundance offered

Complete

Unbroken

Together
Whole

A peach pit inseparable

the soul of the fruit

succulent promises

to quench hunger and thirst

 

Fast Forward;

Today

hands separate

a peach pit

split open

one hand clinched

another with offerings of

fruitful abundance

enough to share

Americans divided

in ideology —

“no I will not share this fruit

get your own and leave

you’re not welcome to feast—

Away with you

and your hunger,

weariness,

weakness—

Now

imagine a future

a common cause;

peach orchards

from coast to coast

fruit in abundance

Now offerings

Feeding

hunger

quenching thirst

hands linked once

again in

Common Cause

tying up the untied

now United again