some of us need
a big, powerful God
to justify our rightness

power begets power
and 
strength is attractive
 
rubrics and commandments
are safe
and feeling superior 
is more pleasant
than acknowledging shame

it's easier to turn your back and look up at the sky
and sing praise to the almighty
and clap your hands

but God is discreet
moving among us
noticing what our hands touch
and where our feet walk
listening to the words that leave our lips

she waits
for kindness
and gentle voices
and smiles

God does not want power and praise,
only simple moments of connection
and tenderness

the kingdom of God is at hand
here and now
be still and listen

look around
not up
the sky is only
full of clouds