Canticle of the Little Flowers

Praise be to you, Lord, for the glory of your creation.
While the virus epidemic has limited my contact with the wider community,
I find myself more appreciative of brief encounters
with fellow humans everyday.

Praise be to brother Internet
an electrical energy which allows us to keep in touch with loved ones
from a safe distance.

Praise be to our brothers and sisters of different races.
but especially for the African American gentleman
who greeted my face-masked visage
in the dollar store parking lot as "brother."
His salutation lifted my spirit.
Not sure who he was, bless his day.

Praise be to brother sun and sister water
that through their cooperation they allow
for the growth of the flowers
that I encounter now more intimately.

Praise be especially to our sisters little flowers
which pray to you Lord in the grass.
They brighten Mother earth.
I used to try to eliminate them with broad leaf weed killer
now I know that they bring simple joy
in their tiny little way.

Praise to you Lord for these and much more.
Help us all to more greatly appreciate your creation
and our human brothers and sisters
of all races, creeds, and political persuasions.
Allow us to touch your compassion
and pass it on to all.

Praise to you for your reminder
that we are always to remember to care
for the least of these.