The Human Flock

the potter tries to pinch happiness from water and clay the painter seeks perfect light to keep the beast at bay the poet keeps blue away-splashing black upon a page the pianist strokes the perfect note where angels often play the troupe dances in circles to keep from the darkest ledge the father caresses a book to sweep demons from his head the father works eighty hours a week to keep the pantry fed the mother weaves a lullaby, she gently puts her heart to bed the pilgrim braves a mountain where a virgin once had prayed the fisherman caste a net of faith into the unforgiving waves the prophet gifts a message to lift those swallowed by the cave A mindful God crushes evil, sooths suffering and lovingly creates