Gathering again mouths muted,

no sound but music here

to balance the cruel violence

the ugly world does bear.

 

Smiles and hugs replace words,

gestures of love and peace

replace the earthly hate and war

in outsiders’ collective face.

 

No masks they wear,

covers cause unease and loathing

this is opposite the point

of gathering without binding

breathing truths, not undermining.

 

– Sandra Johnson, June 25, 2022