A new year

In the heart of winter

Challenges remain

People suffer

Our planet has been neglected

And maltreated

Injustice and prejudice continue to

Ravage many countries

But there is good will too

People who care

People who are peacemakers

People who serve their communities

People who are kind-hearted and honest

And this dichotomy is the characteristic 

Of the world we live in

It’s not all bad

But we have a long way to go

To allow our potential to come to fruition

We are diamonds in the rough

Sometimes seemingly unattractive

But the polish of the challenges of life

Will make us shine bright eventually

December 31, 2021