David X Novak
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Words After a Quote By Pope Francis


        Into our separate futures we
Must travel without fail—so saith the Lord,
        But if indeed ’tis destiny
        That we divergent fortunes ford
                Never again to meet,
Then let us relish present moments sweet.

        All time is unredeemed, and further
Forever unredeemable (alas!),
        So let us not the moment murther
        Pursuing idols false and crass
                Of profit motive: rather
The opportunities for loving gather.

        True, in the life of day-to-day
Vicissitudes and trouble bother us,
        Threat’ning to keep us from the way
        Pleasurable and decorous
                As with his will accord,
That is a high supreme most loving Lord.

        ’Tis not in money gained that one
May actualize a life, but rather through
        Service—so heaven’s will be done
        And our least karmic act imbue
                With heav’nly spirit, love
Sanctioned, condoned forever from above.

        Unto the poor we give our alms,
And give the sweat of personal labor to
        Effect what may be begged through palms
        Close-pressed in prayer. By keeping true
                In action to our words
Only we forge a path that is the Lord’s.