I don’t believe in God.

I don’t believe in God.
But if God reads blogs,
keep the people safe tonight.
All the people. Even the ones I do not agree with.
Keep them safe from harm.

I don’t believe in God,
but I stare at my stomach these days
and I pray that does not fill with a child
until I can promise that it is okay to come out.

I don’t believe in God.
But if God reads blogs, I am praying for there to be no Muslim Trayvon tonight.
I am praying for the ghosts of Michael Brown and Alton Sterling and Sandra Bland and Emmett Till to rest, in whatever peace they have,
And not welcome new members to their ranks.
Perhaps God could beckon America to whisper the name ‘Philando,’ over and over and over, until it is no longer a whisper but a song composed of tears.

I don’t believe in God.
But I beg for God to open my eyes further
To what I have missed.
Someone has turned on the light and now I see.
My eyes are hurting. Open them further for me anyway.

I don’t believe in God,
but parks and trees and rivers are really great
And if you could keep them from being poisoned, God,
I would really appreciate it.

I don’t believe in God
but I figure this is worth a try
Kind of like calling your Congressman
Who is still a man, probably
and who is just about as likely to listen.

And I don’t believe in God
but I do believe in people
Or at least I did. I’m less certain now.

I don’t believe in God.
But if I did, I’d wonder what you’re thinking.