Volunteer Reflections
Reflection Poems by: Sarah
On Writing the December Poem
For December
I wanted to create beautiful structure,
to write a lovely rhyme,
weave it into form,
make a loving and peaceful poem
and dedicate it to Baby Jesus.
But,
as usual,
I wasn't structured enough,
had trouble finding my peaceful place,
couldn't arrange the words exactly,
and kept giving up
and disappointing myself.
Baby Jesus, however,
was not disappointed,
is not disappointed in me.
He knows I'm working on it,
am in the process of a more meaningful construction.
He is much more patient with me than I am.
-Sarah 12/05
Niagara
God is so powerful.
Look what He can make.
Green glass that moves,
Wears down rock,
Spits mists,
and attracts tourism.
We've all come to see, to be
a part of something
that's quite beyond us…
In gratitude for waterfalls,
and rainbows in the mist,
In moments when your spirit calls,
my soul is softly kissed.
I thank my Lord for giving life.
I think my Lord for living love.
- Sarah
How Far Can Buffaloes Fly?
In the middle of Chippewa,
slightly to the left of the double yellow lines,
there lies a metaphor,
complete with blue cheese dressing.
Chicken wings, celery, carrots, and a splash of sauce
are scattered as though
some pensive revolutionary
made an artful statement
meant to be captured
by an over-observant poet
on a rainy late-October Saturday
downtown somewhere
between Spot Coffee
and the stop for the number 3 bus.
It's likely
that someone was just in a hurry
and accidentally dropped their order of Buffalo wings,
then continued onward without it,
but I find it more than coincidental
that this symbol of local pride,
this potential vehicle for nurturance and shared experience
lies forgotten
where it will shortly be squashed.
I am learning about the connections that exist
between myself and my community
and the ways in which my actions
affect other peoples' lives.
I am learning
who my neighbors are
and what we can do for each other.
I stand at the bus stop
and overhear a couple of guys
discussing the inconvenience of food stamps,
the best place to get free, hot food,
and whether they're still getting methadone treatments.
They pause to remind themselves
(and whoever else might be listening)
that God is so good
for giving us second chances.
Are my fellow travelers' realities that much harsher than my own
or am I just seeing through a different lens?
-Sarah
Buffalo, Thursday
There is a sort of
armed forces recruitment mini-mall
on Clinton Street, just across Main.
Uniform doors with signs represent each branch.
Sometimes groups of protesters march that part of the street
with placards that tell you about death and lies.
This evening,
I observe two men
acting as though they aren't confronting one another
on either side of the sidewalk.
The Marine stands in his doorway, looking official.
The protester is solo,
carrying a mock-up of a small coffin
with the words "Iraqi kids" painted on it.
Choose a position, the tableau yells at me.
I avoid the conflict within my soul
by walking on the other side of the street.
Lewiston, Saturday
I meet a woman
Whose sons, 18 and 21
Signed up to join the Marines together.
They're headed to boot camp soon.
They want to take after their dad, she says.
They'll get their lives together, she says.
I keep telling myself they'll come back to me, she says.
How many young men and women have I known
Who believe in the American dream,
Savor the apple pie,
Go out to meet the desert,
And are prematurely scarred by blowing sands…
Columbus, GA, the next Saturday
How would it feel to live here
and witness this huge protest in Novembers?
How much of an invasion is this event,
And how much soul-searching does it evoke in locals?
I feel like I will never understand
International politics,
Globalization,
and the way that governmental institutions
disregard the value of individual human lives.
But
I feel hope as I realize
that the helicopters circling overhead
are merely looking at me
and that on other parts of my planet
this same peaceful demonstration
would cause angrier helicopters
to spit bullets
God bless the USA?
-Sarah