Spirit rising

my spirit
is waning
stench
is rising
deceit
to prey upon 
the most vulnerable 
exploitation
in our midst
human commodities all
yet
what conviction
consistency
again and again
their silent witness
placards circling
that prestigious corner
proclaiming
dignity for all
a puff
not yet a wind
igniting a spark here
a twig there
the stench
dissipates
my spirit
is rising

By Sr. Marie Clarkson, OLM