Tambourine

an act of worship makes a noise
loud above the status quo silence
bold beyond an accepted inaction
as clanging a bell, breaking night
rushing the dawn in lifted hands
we stand as one, a union, church
in one song, swaying and playing
but a family in need is mentioned
and we, the body hear and weep
call for a basket to hold blessings
and one comes forward, clanging
jangles on wood, a stretched skin
dancing, she turns it upside-down
laying down her worship for love
and each coming, carrying money
replacing music from our open lips
with open wallets from their hips
showing what true worship brings
in lives laid down and tambourines

Jason Kichline