I’ll take no part in passing parades

of angry crowds and toxic energies

polluting peaceful environments

like storm-tossed, raging, toxic seas.

I’ll not march with agitators

stirring up extremist polarities,

home-grown and imported trouble-makers

seeking to topple world democracies.

I’ll not congregate with ‘sheeple’

who in the face of deadly disease

walk with supremacists and satanists,

fascists and bigots and hypocrites

using God’s name as they please.

I’ll take no part in these passing parades.

I’ll pray toxic atmospheres clear

for the sake of all I hold dear.

I’ll pray for the well-being of all.

I’ll pray for good will to heal all.

February 12, 2022

Shelley Wilson