I think perhaps it was this morning
after sunrise, after the post office
before my last sip of coffee
I had walked past a food bank set up
in the school parking lot
on my way to sit in the park
for just a few minutes

I think I became infected
with some new sort of hope
My mask of tragedy
fell away
And in its absence
came the presence
not of comedy
but of grace.

There is great audacity
in believing oneself worthy
in feeling seen
in allowing all the love in

An absurd notion struck me
on the ride home:
This City
may never call me Emperor
but perhaps it has always cared for me
nonetheless.

If my compassion is relentless
If my kindness is heartfelt
and my compliments sincere
I may not find enlightenment
nor buy a place in heaven

But, Fates allowing,
I will stay
and that will help.