Choose (for Kate)

I could stay up tonight

Scrolling through endless apps

Soaking in the outrage

Wallowing in sorrow

Feeling my heart beat faster

Inducing panic about my inaction

But instead I choose to remember 

The joy of this morning 

The comfort of routine in the kitchen 

While blessed with good food

Surrounded by my faithful companions

Sun rising and clouds parting 

I could stay up tonight 

And listen to the news

Any channel I choose would be a lie

Catering to its audience 

Putting ratings over the whole truth 

Inciting anger toward the stranger

But instead I choose to savor 

The blessing of friendship 

A smile inspired by a phone call

And receiving love, just because 

Sharing stories and dreams

And years of choosing each other

I could listen to the politicians 

Spinning words into webs

To capture attention and votes 

Loyal to themselves 

While promising their sacrifices 

Only to offer us at their altars

But instead I choose to sing

Gathered in a room of strangers

Soon to be friends

Savoring the hopeful words

Of songwriters who know the secret

That the beauty is in the harmonies

I could open the political email

Sounding the alarms

Waving the flags to stop my tracks

Telling me who is the enemy 

And who I should trust 

With my money and their influence 

But instead I choose the quiet 

Listening to the whir of the furnace

Grateful for the warmth

Soft sleeping sounds of my beloved

And creaky old walls

A fortress of protection and safety