Should I put on my walking shoes and
Head for the path across the street?
Soon it would be dusk.
But I'm glad I pushed myself to go.
On the trail I met him again,
My intelligent, atheistic international
Friend whom I hadn't seen for months.
While he was walking, the senior high
Student was studying his screen,
Working on his linear algebra.
But when he saw me he put it aside so that
We could walk and talk.
We discussed the pandemic, racism,
And the discriminatory caste system in
His own country.
We didn't agree on solutions, but
We did agree that things are a mess and
That neither of us would want to be in
Charge.
Before we parted ways I told him that in
These turbulent times I need a Rock, a
Firm foundation.
He looked at me and said, "You mean God."
"Yes!"
And I did a few happy hops.
I told him I had written his name in my
Book and that I pray for him.
And I pointed my finger at the young man and
Said, "I like you."
He replied, "Likewise."