Deep Shadows and Pulsing Waves of Light

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Deep Shadows and Pulsing Waves of Light

By Jane Tawel

February 1, 2026

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There doesn’t seem much more to say…

But is it because words fail,

or because there is so much to say

that thoughts cascade like raging waters,

tumbling over the rocks of disbelief?

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My stony heart creates the stubborn patterns

of fears that justice will never roll down

like waters again.

The riverbeds look so dry,

and how can the tears of the trampled

restore them?

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On the long, long journey

back to Home,

We have ambushed ourselves

with the trappings of our ingratitude

and our floods of unchecked greed

are no longer dammed

but damning.

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The rivers dry up

with the mud and muck of multitudes

of unheard cries and barren hopes.

The plains are icy — 

keeping the healing in check.

Our baptized souls have been

swept clean of the colors of the rainbow

and the Earth is hardening

over the frozen souls.

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There is still the Still Small Voice

in the vibrant luminosity

of all who have suffered

at the hands of those so certain

that their worship

of the black and white cartoon characters

have nothing to do

with everyone’s instilled radiance.

We strive to shine

like shimmery dewdrops,

called to reflect

Great Majesty

in all small things.

Only after the storms come

can the Sun create a rainbow.

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And so, we continue to dance — 

multihued and dappled

deep shadows in the shallows,

and waterfalling, pulsing waves of light.

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The Universe conspires

to flood our barren land with Hope,

and flood our waiting hearts

with Love.

© Jane Tawel, 2026