How Different Are We?

A Lament For Change

We rise with the sun;
soft light on skin,
steam curling from cups,
bread broken in quiet kitchens.

We clothe ourselves in the known,
we walk the paths of habit:
scrolling, speaking,
saving, spending,
growing, going,
keeping peace,
keeping pace.

We enter the sanctuary,
we lift our hands,
we sing the songs,
we serve the tables.
We eat, we laugh,
we gather, we go.
We live…

But…

Where is the difference?
Where is the mark of heaven?
Where is the salt that stings with truth,
the light that splits the dark?

We ascend in form,
but descend in essence.

We blend.
We echo.
We imitate.

Holiness —
not worn like a robe,
but feared like a fire.

We cover ourselves
in the garments of the world,
chasing what they chase,
speaking what they speak.

And in our hiding,
we wear the world like a cloak
to remain unnoticed,
unseen,
unrecognised.

So I ask:
If I saw you in the crowd,
would I recognise you?

And if you saw me,
would you recognise me?

For it is written:

"Come out from among them and be separate,"says the Lord.

"Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."

2 Corinthians 6:17