For Moore, Oklahoma (Spring 2013)

Oh God, hear us;
        Lord, have mercy!

All we can see are
        hook echoes,
velocity signatures,
        and debris balls.

And now, trees uprooted,
        crumpled buildings,
        cars tossed like toys,
        empty foundations,
fire and smoke,
        damage everywhere,
everywhere—nothing.

Schools collapsed.
        Children, dear God,
Our children.
        Oh God, help us!

God have mercy
        on parents and children.
God have mercy
        on first responders.
God have mercy
        on doctors, nurses.
God have mercy
        on those injured.
God have mercy
        on those still in danger.

God have mercy tonight
        on those waiting to hear
from family and friends;
        Oh God, bring good news.

Prove that your grace is larger
        than a mile wide tornado;
your love greater than any storm.

Oh God, hear us;
        Lord, have mercy!

Amen

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