We are like a platoon in a trench; hanging on to each other as one after another is killed. We do become more comrades than at the beginning of the engagement with the enemy.
Hunkered down, but still answering calls to go over the edge
Duty to respond, habit, or just automatons,
It doesn’t matter – if not today….tomorrow.
This isn’t the way it once was--
“Let’s face the multi-headed hydra out there
We have the strength, the courage, the audacious hubris.”
Each enemy will be met with equal counterforce
Equanimity amid adequate adrenalin
Kick both the stony rocks and hard places.
Our comrades were there too
We were recruits in same times and place
Families and friends engaged in the history’s engagement.
The battle has gone on, and looks like it will go on ad infinitum
Gradually, …or is it faster?
One or another of us rushed over the rampart
And did not return,
And our platoon withered,
And our feet were more willing to lock themselves in the mud down here.
Maybe we’ve learned something since we were early recruits.
Maybe we’ve learned to feel with each other how the call frightens
Maybe we’ve learned to hug/love here so as to trust love will be “over there.”
ELH September 23, 2009
SOME ECUMENICAL ETYMOLOGY The root of the word "ecumenical" is oikos, a Greek word in the Bible meaning "house. Therefore "ecumenical" has to do with the "household" of God - and oikoumene is a "world house" I interpret various scriptures about the God's plan/telos/end as being that All (panta) people are to realize they are brothers and sisters in God's household – a Kin-dom of God.
