January 13: All the Tools

We have all the tools we need:

plentiful resources—fresh water,

fertile soil, beautiful forests,

every kind of plant and animal—

and so many built-in strengths:

clever minds, strong hands and hearts,

ability to empathize and love

and reason and pause in wonder.

Yet we squander all of it daily.

Still, when I gaze out the window

at a pair of cardinals, I know

beyond doubt that there is hope.

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