Living Psalms Book
Psalms in the form of words and art, reborn in the specific contexts of our world, privileging the voices of historically marginalized communities and those acting in solidarity with them.

Living Psalm 137: Pentecost 17 C

longing, aching
in the memories of time past
re-living places where my soul
knew home
knew rest
felt belonging.

there was that time
when I knew where I was 
knew where to go
knew what was expected
that time, so long ago.

the rivers of certainty are no more
like a life carried by a gentle flow
moving with the current
a part of the undertow
never questioning
being pulled by forces
not my own.

the rivers are no more
nothing feels the same
the boxes destroyed
calm waters are now rough seas
is it wrong to miss the certainty
is it wrong to long for the tame
in the midst of embracing Mystery
in the midst of being re-named?

memories of living amidst expectations
of woman
of Black and Brown skins
of church and being churched
of rooms with no windows and doors
I weep
these days are yet more.

I sit with the Ancestors
by the river and share their tears
longing for HOME
what song shall we sing
in this strange new place
I visit these distant places in my mind
encounter them from time to time

I am no longer their resident
I will sing a new song
of freedom and hope
in this new land
of safe space desired
play it by the book
live cautiously
tread lightly
stay between the lines
nothing to risk
everything to lose
play it safe
follow the rules.

the status quo 
guarantees safety
for some but not for all
united we stand
create unrest in the land
where cops throw children
from their seats
of hungry children
of polluted streets
play it safe?
there is no safety
for Black woman or man.

I am a sister
fighting for change
I have no choice
no safety to claim
not safe on the bus
not safe on the street
not safe in my home
not safe in my seat 
yet you worry
because I challenge your institutions?

I will push back from the lies that you tell
I will suffer rather than live in the hell
you so boldly created for me
you don't get to name me
nor blame me
you don't get to dictate
my race or fate
I choose my religion
I choose to name
my own God
not your will be done.
called for this time
to claim my fluidity
without apology
I am not safe with you 
on any level you state
or choose
your very presence
makes this space
unsafe for me.

by the river I sit
with the Ancestors
with the sisters and brothers
with the a’nties, uncs and cousins
longing for a place to call home
longing for where 
we can be fully free

31 October 2015
8:20
Lakewood, OH
KGAT

Living Psalm 137—Pentecost 17 C was written by The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, Associate General Minister for Global Engagement and Operations

Living Psalms Book is created by UCC Witness & Worship Artists’ Group, a Network of UCC connected artists, activists and ministers bridging the worship and liturgy of the local church with witness and action in the community.  Editor, Maren Tirabassi.

Logo is detail from Living Psalm 80 by Sophia Beardemphl, Redwoods, CA. Recovering from significant bullying, Sophia, age nine, read Psalm 80 and thought of brokenness that needs mending. She drew this broken and mended bowl.

© Copyright 2019 Karen Georgia A. Thompson.  Permission granted by the author to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.