What Remains?

What remains 
when love and mercy
embodied dies? 

            We remain
            to embody 
            love and mercy.

What remains 
when the source 
of our hope and 
peace is killed?

            We remain 
            to be a source 
            of hope and peace.

What remains
when the eyes
of compassion close?

            We remain 
            to be the eyes 
            of compassion.

What remains
when the arms embracing 
the unclean are gone?

            We remain 
            to embrace the unclean.

What remains
when the healing hands
are nailed to a cross?

            We remain 
            to offer our hands
            for others.

What remains
when the heart
that liberated us
beats no more?

            We remain 
            to liberate others.

What remains 
when the one 
who taught us 
to see anew
beyond unjust systems
is stopped?

            We remain 
            to teach others to see anew
            beyond unjust systems.


What remains
when the feet
carrying Good News
and dancing
wiith creation are stilled?

            We remain
            to carry the Good News
            and dance with creation.

What remains
when the speaker
of truth beyond
honor and shame
is silenced?

           We remain
            to speak truth 
            beyond honor and shame.

What remains
when the ineffable silent presence
Is absent?

            We remain
            to be an ineffable silent presence.

What remains
when he can no longer
share in our joy and laughter?

            We remain
            to share our joy and laughter
            with others. We remain.