No Reflection

by Cheryl Merrick

I make a comment
and the room suddenly quiets.
After an awkward moment,
all resumes as before.

I mention I write,

again the embarrassed silence,

followed by a change of subject.

Could I really think so differently

that others have no idea 

how to respond to me?

Sharing my talent,

I watch as others shrink away,

uncomfortable by the unfamiliar,

so that I see no reflection of me

in their eyes.

Inauguration Reflections

by Cheryl Merrick

Like a refreshing breeze

over a parched land,

peace soothes my soul

and hope lights my way.

Words of faith, 

Acts of service, and

Inclusion of blacks and women,

assure me that our

needs will be addressed.

Feeling the warmth of relationships

between people of different races

and between different political parties,

all united in love and hope,

proclaim that Healing has begun.

My thoughts after the 2021 Inauguration of President Biden

A Time for Healing

by Cheryl Merrick

Now is a time for healing - for uniting

A time to remember our shared heritage

and to cherish and protect our differences

Now is a time to put aside political squabbles

and remember the democratic ideals

upon which our nation is founded

Now is the time to still our cries of injustice

and stand behind our new President

so that we can move forward with hope

Now is the time to pledge our best efforts

into making "The American Experiment"

a beacon of liberty in a dark world

Now is the time to prayerfully, and humbly,

remember, and live, so that we can truly be

one nation united under God 

A New Year 2021

 by Cheryl Merrick

Many are rejoicing today

hoping that the New Year

will bring an end 

to their pandemic woes,

and that the mere turning

of a calendar page

can bring a return 

to our old "normal" life.

During this past year 

some have lost family members,

and we have all felt the longing

to be with those we love

and just give them a hug.