Lenten Poetry: Day 9

Belonging

Full communion in the church
doesn't mean what it used to.
Even those who belong don't belong
if they don't have the rights
and privileges of the others.
The list of nonbelonging belongers is long.
If you're included in the list
(which means you're excluded),
you know it,
even though you've been assured
that the belonging believers
have compassion for your plight.

Fortunately, you know from
the scriptures and confessions
that you belong where it counts.
You options include
turning the other cheek
and assuring the belonging believers
that you have compassion for their plight.
Blessed are the poor in privilege,
for they belong to God.

--Ann Weems