For my 2016 writing project, I’ve decided to write a single line of poetry every day for an entire year. Below, is April’s poem. Enjoy!

Salvation was offered in the Safeway check-out line today.
It was delivered in the form of presumed morality.
Letting someone cut in line never seemed so significant.
I had to stand for what I believe,
Even if it meant denying who I used to be.

I believe in mankind.
I believe in shared humanity.
I believe your pain belongs to me.
My pain is your burden.
Our lives are shared.

For some, this message is too simple.
They are consumed with the folly of man.
All they ever see is sin.
Life is not that simple.
Man is machine complex.

He is built to be good.
Often, his selfishness rules the day.
Yet, his core is constructed to care.
His actions define the day.
As a species, he may disappoint you.
As an individual, I see potential.

I defend the human race.
I am a proud member of it.

Religion drove me to this point.
Towers falling forced me to look away.
I told the man in line the same thing.
He probably doubts my belief in humanity too!
Yet, I press forward.
Doing the absolute best I can.
I expect you to do the same.