“Shield your joyful ones. from an Anglican prayer That they walk, even stumble, among us is reason to praise them, or protect them;even the sound of a lead slug dropped on a lead plate, even that, for them, is music. Because they bring laughter’s brief amnesia. Because they stand, talking, taking pleasure in others, with their hands on the shoulders of strangers and the shoulders of each other. Because you don’t have to tell them to walk toward the light. Because if there are two pork chops they will serve you the better one. Because they will give you the crutch off their backs. Because when there are two of them together, their shining fills the room. Because you don’t have to tell them to walk toward the light. Good morning, joyful ones. Thank you for being the lights in my life.”
