America 2020 — a prayer on the eve of election

artwork by Emma Hawley-Yan

What is fear?
Fear is this snake in my stomach
A roiling, writhing mess
Sinuous anticipation
A measured watching and waiting
The coiled viper waiting to strike

I am exhausted and so worn
I am waiting for the clamor of bells
A hope that the house I have built
Extends beyond these four walls
This rectangular screen
A thought
Something to strike back at this pit
That is moving inside the core of me

Home is not country
Nor fence
Home is not built
From violently constructed borders
Home is not protected
By weapons that keep Others away

Home is people
It always has been
Home is you
Home is me
Home is us
Home is bounty
Home is abundance
Home is joy
Home is laughter and warmth
Home is all those who endure
Home is those who make it so
​
We create home when we extend grace
When we honor our shared Divinity
When we see each other’s possibility
And holiness
I will not fear this snake
I relinquish, release, and let go
Instead of clutching fear
I hold onto you
I hold onto us
A Much Warmer Thing