Seldom was Heard a Discouraging Word

Seldom was heard, a discouraging word

Yesterday...common scenes of people, many people, lots of people,
Shoving, threatening, biting, bitching...where
Seldom was heard, an encouraging word.
Evil came, killed, and left.
Today... lines of people,
Some shuffling across shiny floors,
Some crawling on concrete and dead,
Up and down streets, slipping from sight,
Many people, lots of people.
Yet seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Through airports, offices, rubble
Or fire,
Many people, lots of people prayed...
Though sweating, seared and tired.
Yet, seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Out of a womb ripped raw, bleeding,
A new peoples...born.
Many people, lots of people,
Looking, searching... for brother or friend,
Sister, mother, where to begin.
Uttering words long forgotten. Welcome.
Once lost. Now found.
"I’m sorry. Excuse me.
May I help you please?
Thank you.
May God be with you.
I love you."
Seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Many people, lots of people.
In pain. Swept with grief. Mourning.
Yet seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Stay new day.
Stay.
We promise your care,
Until steady we can be,
Tomorrow’s common scenes of people, many people, lots of people,
kind, loving, and doing for thee.
And seldom is heard, a discouraging word.

Roni Bell