What May I Do?

This year around the table you may see some empty plates.

My hope for your home is that they are merely holding space,

And not instead a seat forever vacant due to plague.

May you have cause for gratitude each day you live in peace

While your neighbor on the one side cries for bread and heat,

And your neighbor on the other begs that violence cease.

May your granaries be ever full and your well water run clear

May your hurts be solaced and your heart be cheered,

And may you heed your brother's voice fall upon your ear:

"Let me in! This is my home! Open wide the door!

Bitter night, the wind bites; open, open, I implore!"