On the Presence

Kyrie Yeshua
Be with us
though we shriek and
spit and kick
claw and tooth
Be with us
though we beat your chest
molars grinding
face wet with sweat and red
Be with us
though in our shame
we flee your grace
though in our shame
we are repelled by your innocence
by your strength
vast
Be with us
though your children are
too often
children in your presence
May we never be
Bereft of you