This work by Luis Ramirez is displayed with permission from the author.

Luis

Ramirez

Lake Michigan Gospel

City across the water,

Tortured city of our fathers,

Sprung from their ancient grandfather’s son,

A monument to self,

A wall against our one true Father —

You, city of darkness, of despair,

Of the hungry infant’s cry unheard by the pedestrian shoppers

in the glass and marble tower,

City of their lonely circular walk,

the dance of alienation —

You, city across the water, are the reason for Advent,

The cause for whom the Son you tried to capture

with your darkness

shines today in the glory of transfigured light.

You, city of darkness, of smoke,

of the degradation of your people,

You…are loved.

And though you burn my eyes and choke my breath

And threaten to destroy the very senses that He gave

To see you stripped of all your outrage and unrighteousness,

I will love you.

For here He bade me spend my life,

To walk with Him the straight and narrow

Down the middle of your boulevard,

in your market place,

and under the oppression of your technologic idols;

Here to stand, among my brothers,

To gaze with penetrating sight at your offense

And pray to Him to heal you;

And here laying down my life,

Proclaim His love for you

‘Til we become transformed, the city of the resurrection.

City across the water,

Tortured city of our Father,

Your occupation is ending.