In Spite of Everything

Another poem written at the Heinemann Boothbay Literacy Retreat, June 25, 2013.  It's a "found" poem based on a line from an Edward Hirsch poem: "In Spite of Everything, the Stars."

In spite of everything, God
is still in charge.
I mean--He's there.
He sees all, knows all.
He's engaged in a great war
testing whether mercy
trumps justice.

In spite of everything, I
don't blame Him.
Not for wars, pestilence,
Hate, loss.
All the things that bring down
happiness.
And life.

In spite of everything, He
loves us.
this I know.
I've seen it.
Heard it.
Felt it.
Deep in the marrow
of my bones.

In spite of everything, Love
will triumph over evil.
The lame will walk,
the blind will see.
And we.
Shall.
All.
Be.
Changed.
In spite of everything.