A Response to Psalm 1

Blessed is the child:

Birthed and nourished in love,

Rooted in unconditional acceptance,

Bathed in affirming words.

Blessed is the youth:

Confident in being themselves,

Supported, trusted and encouraged

Stretching and branching out.

Blessed is the man or woman:

Failing and experiencing forgiveness,

Losing themselves and giving themselves anew,

Reproducing life and love,

Like a healthy tree.

Withered is the child:

Unwanted, neglected

Told they’re not worth much.

Withered is the youth:

Having no role models,

Seeking acceptance from peers,

Lacking hope and a future.

Withered is the man or woman:

Trapped in their hurtful past,

Unable to grow or thrive,

Dying a slow, painful death,

Scattered by the wind.

—Gary Krueger