A nod to Matthew 12 – sign of Jonas

Our generation is as fond of forecasts
as the scribes around Jesus
were of signs.

So these days we have Jonas,
even in the nation’s capital –

and we wait out
this season’s roll of the dice
in the belly of the storm,

and send up a psalm
about saving
for all those with a hard rowing –
drivers on plows and ambulances,
linemen (and women) on poles,
those who sleep the night
in the airport,
or serve in hospital,
nursing home, and shelter,

the mother whose baby comes,
and the family gathered
around someone
who is hearing the last –

peace be still.