Modern Context: Love Poem by Olin Yeats

Amidst the two crowds of gay and not-gay come screams and cries
Like poisoned arrows aimed to kill,
Or like a savage dance bringing down the skies.
Yet, who thinks to ask His will.

“Their group is distorted, perverted, and bad.
Let us condemn them with our words!
Speak now and scream, yes He will be glad.
Don’t waver or you too shall be brought down by the sword.”

On the other side is heard an equal screaming cry,
“Hold fast, stand strong: Love, Love, Love”
They hold their picket signs high, yelling aloud each word:
“GOD LOVES ALL….God LOVES ALL…god LOVES ALL”

So you see “God” is not a person to them,
A political mascot like a bulldog or fish.
“For if God loves them should we not too? ”
Yet, what is love?

Tolerance: the 21st century love.
In this nation, in this time
We sing out to ignore the wound in each other’s side.
“If you love me, you will accept this bleeding; yes I am dying, but accept me! ”

To accept is not always to love,
And to condemn is never enough.
To speak damning words is an easy task,
But to serve and befriend takes patience and time;
Yet, from this patience comes change, by His good will.
Not through anger or deadly acceptance, but through befriending and serving
Will change come.