I can’t help but lament the absence of divine justice. Thankfully God is not finished with us.  How much better will we do in the next 10 years?  Sometimes I think of the process of reconciliation as a dance. The question is, “How ready are we to make this an inclusive party. to turn up the music so that the dance can begin?

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The dance of privilege Anglophones leading In an evolving dance To a playlist of Euro-centric music   The Francphone guests Not always in step Preferring a different genre Not ready to leave the party   Recent immigrants invited Selectively chosen For their musical taste Their ability to adapt to the rhythm   The Inuit left out in the cold No invitation received The Metis occupying the margins Not even recognized   Indigenous inspired art Gracing the invitation cards The design given an appreciative nod By the invited guests   Those who live with privilege Make up the guest list Deciding who's who Guests who move in step to the music   A land acknowledgment recited An unobtrusive party etiquette Adopted following the recent event The Prime Minister's apology*   A faint and distant rhythm Steady and persistent Too persistent to ignore A rhythm that spells life   The heart beat of the woods The heart beat of the river The heat beat of the weather The heart beat of the creator   The Indigenous drum beat Slowly increasing in volume Gradually getting recognized Offering wholeness to the dance   The wholeness that is Shalom Living in Peace and Harmony Wetaskewin There is peace in them hills   Seeking Shalom, Welcoming Wetaskewin

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This reflection came out of Jasper's experience in Hearts Exchanged.  You can sign up to participate in cohorts starting this fall.  For more of Jasper's journey and poetry watch this video!