The care that binds
While winds were whirling, whipping, swirling,
scattering wrappers amidst whistling screams.
I struggled on, gasping, grasping and yearning
For storms to cease; the sun’s rays to redeem.
In silent surroundings, I browse the collection,
Searching for meaning, for human connection.
I read stories that flow with power’s inflection
But nothing that mirrors my family’s reflection.
Scanning the shelves spanning years and ages,
I find little that lightens the load nor assuages,
That lingering fear, the resounding harsh tone;
Echoes repeating, all alone, all alone, all alone.
I need diverse collections to burst at the seams,
To free rainbows that share humanities’ beams.
I need spaces where we work on tangly themes;
Our heads and hearts meet to heal and redeem.
I need places and faces to be friendly and kind,
I need warmth and hope in the care that binds.
By Josh Sendall
The care that binds: the director’s cut
While winds were whirling, whipping, swirling,
scattering wrappers amidst whistling screams.
I struggled on, gasping, grasping, and yearning.
For storms to cease; the sun’s rays to redeem.
In warm and safe shelter, I browse the collection,
Searching for meaning, for human connection.
I read stories flowing with truthful circumflexion,
To a pool; a mirror of my community’s reflection.
Surveying the shelves spanning years and ages,
Scaffolding carries the weight and assuages.
With a faith reaffirmed, resounding soft tones;
Gentle reassurance; you’re home, you’re home.
In sociable solace, generating a brighter future,
Without fear that ushers will try to exclude you.
In shared spaces, unravelling the tangly themes.
Our heads and hearts meet, heal and redeem.
These diverse collections bursting at the seams,
Freeing rainbows; beams of humanities dreams.
Diffracting complexity via the prism of the page.
Productions of progress play out on life’s stage.
Let ours be places where faces are friendly and kind,
With true warmth, love and hope in the care that binds.
Be more kind, every day, in every way, try to be more kind.
By Josh Sendall
Blog by Colina Wright, LUU staff
Better Forums, Summer 2025: Results
