Today a chilly wind curls around

The urban landscape

Last night on my route home

Traveling roads with little light

Silhouette forms

Against approaching darkness

Ripped plywood barriers

From abandoned buildings

Seeking shelter from the cold and rain

I could see the outline

like shadows

Offering a leg up through open windows

Preparing to huddle together

And wait out the approaching storm

Fighting off guilt, I reach my bright warm home

And the love of my family

Their smiling faces beam happiness and health

Waiting to share the warm meal they made for me

I thank a God that I am not certain I believe in

For the food and shelter one more day

And before I sleep I further pray

Giving thanks for the things we are blessed with

And praying He will help me teach men to fish

And I hope He is really there

Hope

Because

Tomorrow will start another day

Once I again I will make my way

Back down the dark roads

To the place

Not far away

Where I teach

In a decayed ghetto

Impoverished

Gripped with desperation

Suffering from neglect and decay

Teaming with underprivledged and angry people

In one of the largest cities in this nation

Your U S of A

As I get out of my car I meet angry glares

People hating me for the color of my skin

and the texture of my hair

Just general hatred nothing personal

But I do not fear

I just glare back

Tell them that class starts at 9

Get your ass to my class and in your seat

Switch that computer on

Because the rest of the day- you are MINE

And one by one they learn enough to leave this place

By God's grace

I hope . . .