Poem: Shadows in the Light

After reading the sermon by Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl, a friend and an inspiring local leader, Fr. Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera, commented about how touched he was by the honesty of the rabbi. He sent me a poem that he wrote and which he describes as: "On the surface it may not inspire hope, but I believe that it is in realizing the corruption Rabbi Greenburg speaks about, that we begin to filter the darkness out of the light."

I say that it is very inspiring when the children of Abraham aknowledge the need to build bridges and learn about each other. We don't have to agree on everything, but we certainly have to respect and humanize each other.



Shadows in the Light
By: The Rev. Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera

There are shadows in the light,Deep dark horrendous shadows Taking refuge in the light,Hiding in the brightness of the light.

There are shadows in the light, Disfigured atrocious shadows Camouflaged in the brightness of the light,Hiding in the language of deliverance.

There are shadows in the light, Disfigured sinister evil shadowsParading as divine revelation, They deceive and destroythey are like a crypt of rotting corpsesKilled in violent rage and holy wars.

There are shadows in the lightDevouring all that is in their path Screaming in rage the name of Allah,Screaming in rage the name of God, Screaming in rage the name of Christ.

There are shadows in the light,Hiding in the holy places, The mosques, the synagogues, the churchesDevouring with an endless violent insatiable appetite The lost children of Abraham.

There are shadows in the light!

© Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera, 2006(714) 537-0604