Oil and Wine

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' - Luke 10:33-35

Would you in the rush to capitalize on markets

in the anxiety of getting your life aligned just so

                        

would you stop on the cracked roadside shoulder

where flat tire mishaps become robbery and assault

would you stop and nurse and neighbor me

tend the cuts and gashes to my body and mind

pour the wine of compassion on me as antiseptic

smear the oil of mercy on me to bless and heal

or would you drive by and gape in the traffic slowdown

at the scene of a stranger in blood red calamity

let fear keep your own healing power stopped up

let our modern disconnection and despair keep your

oil and wine from ever touching another life

your hands from ever reaching out beyond your cuffs

never knowing you are the other I fear In my need

you are the one who can break us both open to newness