News sad as clouds, Like night, envelope the soul. The future seems stolen away, There is no movement toward light... I am ashamed of my own prayer, Of secret pleas to the heavens. And it is simply not easy to believe In God, love, and the church... Cheap hope does not work— Not for swift and easy victory, Not for tricks instead of miracles Of Christmas or New Year... Only one space remains— To hold fast to sober thought: The Lord Almighty rules all things, He is with me—Good and Wise! December 20, 2023