This little poem is my wish & my wonder for the New Year:
Mannerly, Bannerly
When all manner of bad
lands in our laps,
and the mean things
land in our news feed,
what if,
instead of responding
in kind,
we respond in kindness?
What if
we invite the other to dinner,
polish our best manners,
and serve goodness?
What if
we lift a banner of love,
lifting each other up,
until there is no other?
*The illustration above is from Blessings: A Children's Book for Grown-ups, cowritten with my dear mom, Jan Elkins
