Why Bother?

Many say:

"I don't watch the news.

It's too depressing."

Yes, it can be.

The creative violence

of humanity's darkness hurts,

and it pains me, too.

I cry and wonder why, too.

My heart breaks

for the pains of the world.

So why do I bother at all?

Why do I want to know about it?

Because we are all connected:

The Korean who is killed

for her political views.

The Swede born at high noon.

The Italian suffering

the aftermath of a quake.

The joy of newlyweds in Ohio.

Even the likes of a Trump.

or a Gandhi,

or a Putin,

or a Cuello,

or Papa Fran,

or a fox,

or Fiona the cat.

We are ALL connected.

I feel them,

I feel for them.

I watch and listen because

I want to know.

I watch and listen

so I can reach out -

in prayer,

to console,

to commend,

to praise,

to heal.

agd