Toward the Light

Too often our answer to the darkness
      is not running toward Bethlehem
            but running away.
We ought to know by now that we can't see
      where we're going in the dark.
Running away is rampant . . .
      separation is stylish:
            separation from mates, from friends, from self.
Run and tranquilize,
      don't talk about it,
      avoid.
Run away and join the army
      of those who have already run away.
When are we going to learn that Christmas Peace
      comes only when we turn and face the darkness?
Only then will we be able to see
      the Light of the World.

Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem (The Westminster Press, 1987)