I pray for the bruised reed
And the dimly burning wick,
Including those who don’t realize their brokenness.

I pray for God’s reviving,
The healing that is needed,
Including for those who don’t realize it or admit it
Even to themselves:

Those whose bravado is overwhelming,
Those who inflict hurt and brokenness
In their own hurt and brokenness.

I pray for all the bruised reeds
And the dimly burning wicks.

I pay for God’s reviving of the core of love
And for the healing
And enlightening
That is needed.

-Karyl J Leslie, Worcester, MA