1

One Voice in Protest: Poems in Hope

BY

TY RAGAN

2

Dedicated

To my Dad & Mum,who always believed in me and taught me to walk in theSacred, stick to my convictions and change the world. MyDad for all the money and time put in to help me learn mycraft of dancing with words. I know some early morningsyou would have rather been sleeping Pops, and I love you

for it.

3

INTRODUCTION

A society that cannot house its own people isdysfunctional.

-Paul Martin, Former Prime Minister of Canada

On a cool January night in 2006 Canadians rejected the

Parliamentary leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada

under Paul Martin. Not so much because of Martin himself,

but rather because of the corruption and scandal brought to

the country under the leadership of his predecessor Jean

Chretien.

With the loss of the Martin government to the people

of Canada came a devastating blow to the social safety net

that we as a culture espouse to value. With the election

of a Conservative government propped up by the Bloc

Quebecois and New Democratic Lite… the people had a

pittance thrown at them, the well being of our children in

public day care sold for a mere $100 a month. Money worth

more than lives as more soldiers are sent abroad to die. A

restructuring of society and an erosion of the soul that is

Canadian-eh.

Leaders seek power and have forgotten that they are

elected to help the people. People are overworked

attempting to make ends meet as privatization and foreign

ownership continues unabated by governments that seem

4

detached, all that is left is for the people to speak out

and use their franchise to renew the soul. Shake off the

apathy of the ballot box and embrace that which has

previously made Canada a great social state.

This is a collection of sacred poems written in times

of quiet as I prepared for seasons of my life as political

candidate; human rights activist; counselor and monastic

pastor. These are my times, like Moses, of going up the

mountain and having a cuppa with God.

I hope these words will inspire you to use your own

voice dancing with words and actions to speak out for those

that don’t have a voice:

1. Make health care truly universal and public.

2. Fully funded public day care.

3. Full public education from pre-school to PhD

4. An end to all user fees.

5. A house for everyone.

6. Food in every cupboard and fridge.

7. True public power.

It is a time to end the oppression that seizes our nation

and our world, like in times past to take up the protest

and speak up and be voices for us and for those who society

has stripped the voice from.

Shalom & Namaste.

5

One

Mother GodWash your compassionInto me

Remove my self-imposedLaryngitisAllow words of wisdomNo venomTo come forth

Use me GodTo speak your loveInto our ailing country

Empower me!To speak outAgainst the injusticeSo evident.

6

Two

Our worldIn turmoilInnocentsOppressedInjusticeRampantChildrenCryYour tearsGodMingleAs EldersWeep

Our leadersCorruptMore concernedWith profitsThan those they areCalledTo serveLost in evilThey are.

DeviPurifyOurselvesOur governmentsBring dreamersVisionariesThose courageousTo speak outAct justlyTo lead

Allow forgivenessReconciliationTruthHopeTo become our center

HarmonyPeaceTo supplantPoverty

7

WarHealingReplaceDiseaseLoveInstead ofHate

Bring our world leadersMotherAnd creationTo your bosomNurse us to your characterBefore you wean us

Change our worldBy pouring your spiritThrough us

8

Three

God our city is in pain, and your people are in hiding, forthe most part. What glory of yours would be revealed if allyour children lived the grace you have blessed us with?Would there still be children selling their bodies andlosing their souls? Would toxins still pollute the templesyour hand crafted? Would life be so cheap? Empower yourchildren Lord; pour out your Spirit upon them to spreadlight in the darkness. Amen.

9

Four

The world criesGaia rapedFor shiny toysLegs tiedSpread open

God heal usShatter the tethersThat bind us

Your saintsRenewEmpowerStrengthen

Grant us thisSo your QueendomCan be built hereAs in Heaven.

Let your transforming loveHeal usGaia forgive usReconcile usAs we live anewIn peace.

10

Five

Personal responsibilityGONEBillions of peopleSelf-obsessedMore concerned with “ME”Than “US”

SelfishnessWorkaholicsStress-addicts

Opens the doorAbuseOppressionCorruptionAddictionHate

GovernmentsMore concernedBuilding their own bank accountsThan empowering people.

SilenceWells are poisonedWater aflameLand-strip minedCrops failHerds fadeEconomies strainCosts soarWages fall

CRISIS!

Accept,Our silenceFuels oppressionNo more studies

ACT!

Time to step upTime to speak outTime to act

11

To renew justiceTo renew fairnessTo renew equalityTo renew healing

Time to liveLike others matterThat lives are richerThan dollars and coins.

Time to liveAs if we’re

Accountable

12

Six

Staring upNight skyStars and moonsPrayers tumbleFrom my lipsWill the stars shine brighter?

A time of changeWhere Ra sleepsDiana comes outTo hunt

Where darknessControlledBy lightOf the starsStarsMan has eliminatedFor false lamp light

StarsNeed to shineAgainTo keep darknessAt bay

Reignite the nightGod,And confuseThe darknessThat tries toFrightenControlDevourAndDestroyYour children.

13

Seven

PresentTime of changeOceans of HerWash over meRenewEmergeMy newTrue selfOneWithThe Cosmic ChristWithin,New dreamsNew vocationSeasons of new life.

14

Eight

ClarityMind, body, heart and spiritA refreshing rainBringing forth new lifeIgniting the old

A fire stripping throughA forestDestroying the oldIn the heat of destructionNew life ignites

My journeyWith HerFeel refreshing windsCleaning away debris of the soul.

CoolRefreshingWaterShowering downStripping awayThe grime of the old false self.

Your fire burningInside-outMy old-false self.Succumbing to the blaze.My new-true selfRemainsNewlyAwake.

15

Nine

Million and onePlus infinityReasonsExcusesThose withoutAre punishedLet without helpTreated less thanHuman.

ExcusesWhy we allow:Drugs;Alcohol;Environment;

Claims livesWe turn awayRemain silentPleas for helpIgnoredNever trulyHeard.To tiredWatch as diseaseClaims another

Never mindDoes not matter.He/she was one of themAn “IT”It is lazyIt brought it on itself.It is our brother,Our sisterIt is a true child of God.

Look the poor in the eyesAsk a nameGo from nameless;Hopeless massesTo personalSee the sufferingAs they truly areOne of us.God on earth.

16

Ten

Journey to the wellAmazingDip our handsScoop upCool thirst quenchingWaterLife givingCreative flowSplash our faceWet our lips

AwakeTo the worldLike a new ageBuddha

Her creationThe way she sees itThrough Christ’sEyes

ShiningCosmic lightEternal nightConfuse the nightDrive it outOf SoulCosmic ChristEmerges.

GospelFulfilledInto communionWith Sacred CreatorAnd creation.

17

Eleven

To go deeperBeyond labelsBeyond dogmasBeyond institutionsTo simply communeWithin the Sacred Heart of Her.Allow Her to communeWith your heart.

We dance dailyWith royaltyOnly our heartsKnowIf we will embraceThe loveThat brings us intoHer monarchy.

18

Twelve

Lost in anger,She bleeds to release the pain

The blade cuts through her skin.Too young to know better

To ignored to be loved.Lord equip me with the words

To let her knowThey are those that love

And are for her,Even when she feels

The whole WorldWould be better without her.

Ultreya.

19

Thirteen

Point of viewHow hard it is to moveEgoSee a storyThrough another’s eyes

Violence. Hatred.World ripped apart

Friend or foe?Cool or geek?Bully or bullied?Patriot or terrorist?Label soupDrown’s outGod’s love.

CosmosHardens a filmChokes outWisdom eternalLife lostIn the much & mire

Spirit of GodTRAPPEDForeverNot beingExpressiveCreativeEmpowering

20

Fourteen

Pick a wellDrink the crystal clearFresh waterDeeply

Feel your thirstQuenched

Cool waterDribble from your lipsSoak through your clothesDampen your skin

LaughYou see otherWellsSample other watersDeeplyShallowly

Know the sourceIntimatelyLikeA soul lover

One riverMany wells

One riverSurgingSplashingRenewingWashingAidingSpawningLIFE.

21

Fifteen

How long O’ DeviUntil all are fed?Diseases curedDiversity embracedWeapons of mass destructionAre pounded into ploughsRich and poorCease to existAll of creationNo longer seenAs commoditiesExploitedFree marketRevealed as lie

How long…Until all workFor the common goodTill humanityReconciledHatred and angerReplacedWith love and peace.

How long…Until your childrenBuild your QueendomOn Earth,In the CosmosAs in Heaven

How long O’ CreatorUntil we all embrace youInUSAnd in you?

How long…

22

Sixteen

Lord lift us up as a people of you.We fall short, of how you created usAnd become lost in our own self-interestInstead of turning to you for your helpWe believe our power is enough to endureAnd build your kingdom here on earthAs you have in heavenWe plead that you forgive us ourSinsIn not only our actions, but our words and thoughts as wellSo that we may re-enter your promised glory anew. Amen.

23

Seventeen

Division, words and standards created by humanity.Pettiness and Pride, turning off the valve of love,separates your church. We know better than you Lord, as towhat makes a follower of you…we are wrong, and we bring ourburden to you…Lord humble your children so in our unity theworld will see your Glory. Amen.

24

Eighteen

God you are good.You have promised to always hear us and love us.

I ask that when my brothers, my sisters or myselfHave fallen away from you

Facing pain, hunger, separation or loss,And we know our sin,Lord that when we come back to you to be reconciled,Not only will you accept us, but also you will

celebrate our return.O Divine MasterI pray for those who are lost in the night,Who may be foreign to your holy Son;Yet in their moments of day break,When they cry outHear themWelcome themAnd celebrate themFor your church rests in your gloryWitnessed in Christ’s earthly lifeWe walk with Christ daily in our earthly lives.May your gifts of Love, Faith and Hope.Be with us alwaysAmen.

25

Nineteen

Lost in translation, in a society and a churchThat makes the sacramentsA jokeEasily walked awayFrom vowsTo loveHonour,And cherishThrough thick and thin

Surrendering to our base animalistic selfWe have lost the abilityTo speak to the worldAs your children are more lost,Than the rest.God help usDo not abandon us,Pour your love out upon usSo we may be empoweredTo lead a revival of true Love.

Ultreya

26

Twenty

Alleluia Lord! It is in your heart, your love, and yourpower that this world will be changed. We your humbleagents come before you and ask that you keep us safe, as wehead out with nothing but ourselves to offer before theworld. Let us be enough to show you. Amen.

27

Twenty-One

WearyLooking out at a worldYou called me to serveWatching as so much hard workCrumbles for nothing moreThan dollar signsAnd bottom linesWhy should I bother Lord?What have I to show for it?Yet you continue to push and prodFor me to be that one voiceCrying out when no one else…Will or can…Just one day of rest…Relieve my weary soul….Please Lord.

Ultreya

28

Twenty-Two

What can be said Lord, as I stare out at my future, andthere is nothing on the horizon, you have poured out dreamsin me that have been accomplished. Another door closes andI wonder, where the next window will open. Where am I towander next in the mystery of my walk with you Lord? Whichnew adventure will you open up before me? Ultreya.

29

Twenty-Three

Rain would be a blessingA physical sign of renewalRevival neededTo wash away the sins of the bodyAs our own humanness keeps usFrom evangelizingNighReclaiming our citiesAnd keeping the darknessConfusedDispersed…Cleanse us LordWash us in the blood of the LambGrant us your peace.Amen.

30

Twenty-Four

Lost in the furor of keeping up. So focused on lovingneighbour we forget, that to love neighbour also means tobe happy for what you have blessed them with God, and becontent with the blessings we have. Not burden our hearts,work us to death to simply keep up in the material world.Blessings pour out from the pursuit of your excellence Godin our profession, not the pursuit of worldly success. Helpus to remember this and that your Son, sent his disciplesout with nothing to rely on the love of their brothers andsisters.Ultreya.

31

Twenty-Five

Tonight Lord, watch over your flocks as a shepherd does.Allow this night to be one of rest and renewal, so that wemay go out in the morning to spread your glory in worship,action, thought and deed. Allow each of your flock thatslumber tonight awake pouring forth your spirit.Amen.

32

Twenty-Six

Kneel at the altar,More than remembrance of a sacrificeMaybe not as much as actual body and bloodBut knowing as I stare upon the cross,How amazing your love is for meA broken schmuckThat I mean more to you than your own Son’s life.Amen.

33

Twenty-Seven

We are in the midst of when your Son walked with us, afterhe defeated death. Lord keep in our hearts the knowledge ofthis walk in our daily lives, that is it not just Holy Dayswhen Christ is with us, but every day. Amen.

34

Twenty-Eight

O Divine MasterWe know we are a judgmental people of yoursAlways looking for something,That makes us better than anotherYet you love usYou see usAs your beloved childrenO GodGrants us your eyesTo see the worldYour earsTo hear the voicesThe cries of our brothers and sistersO LordGrant us your heartThat we may knowAll are blessedRegardless of their sort or conditionFor it is in our prideIt is in our searchingFor the “Great Sin”That we lose youIn our own heartsRestore us Lord.Dad let us just seeThe world that you loved so muchTo send us your SonAs you see itSo we can bringYour kingdom hereOn Earth asYou have it inHeaven.Alleluia.

35

Twenty-Nine

For the Margins:God, you looked out on us gathered at your Son’s feet tolearn. On that hill, where he looked to us-the ones thereligious forgot and told us we were blessed by you. God weask, no, we implore-that you allow us to go forward intothe world to those who we have made believe that theycannot know you and let your light shine through us anew sothey know they are among the blessed. Amen.

36

Thirty

On this day…We are in your eternal

Seventh dayLord,

Refusing your restFor our own busyness

The Lord has Acted…In my own life

Your blessings have poured outThrough the gifts of words

You have given meThrough healing

Of mind,Body,

Spirit,In myself

AndLoved Ones.

With the mentorsAnd friends

You have brought in my path…We will rejoice…

Share the story of you in usDance

ShoutMake a joyful noise,

Sing beautiful songsWrite poetry

And talesOf your wonders,

Just enjoy…That you are our GOD.

and be glad in it. . .Finally

AcceptingYour eternal rest

In your blessed creation.Amen.

37

Thirty-One

Our worldShaken by war

God loves us

Our greedKills our children

God loves us.

A grandmotherRaises her granddaughter

God loves us

A motherRapes her son

God loves us

We have turned awayNo longer love us

God loves us

We no longerLove our neighbour

God loves us

Do we still love Her?

God loves us.

We weep & mournLoss of community & familyHer arms hold us in love.

We step out in faith for change.Her arms hold us in love.

God loves us,Do we love Her?

38

Thirty-Two

Dad, honesty and humility are what you call us to. I know Iam weak in being your salt in this world, in letting mylight shine outwards. It is far easier to follow the wrongflock of the world, than the Good Shepherd that is yourSon, Jesus. Let our salt and light do as you commanded usto—not be hid and to be the good flavour in the world, bewith your saints, equip us to bring you to our friends,neighbours, family and loved ones. Amen.

39

Thirty-Three

Light on our pathThat is what you promiseYour word encouragesBut your love empowers,My neighbourhood is cryingBlood is on our streetsYour followersAre guilty by non-actionI prayThat you equip usTo be your lightsIn this darkness

That your lightThrough us

Can change our communityTo your heart.

40

Thirty-Four

Our ancestors could not see you without dying. Your wrathhas burned against us sending us to exile, before thatseeing the rainbow and remembering your hand wiping outcreation. It was by your love you took the ultimate step tobring us back to you God, so that we could be in yourpresence, without blinders on. The glory of your Sonbrought us back to you, as he rose from the dead defeatingdeath and by proxy evil in our stead. No sacrifice wecould offer would come close, yet you still viewed us assalvageable. Tonight Lord, we simply beg that we can beblessed with your wisdom, compassion and grace to go forthand illuminate your love in the darkness that is our world.Amen.

41

Thirty-Five

She cries outOnce more rapedFor nothing more than providingThe sustenance that we needI weep LordAt how we have misusedAbusedStripped your beautiful creationFrom china dollTo two bit whoreShe weepsWanting to returnTo majestyYet our hearts are hardTo her screamsAs we crave moreNot thinkingLost in the lustIgnoring your commandsOf care and loveFor her...Lord,Unhardened our hearts,Let us see herAs you see usLet us use our giftsTo healYour creationSo she can stop her tearsAnd smile again.

42

Thirty-Six

Why do we believeOnly prayers“in Jesus’ name.”are heard by you?

How do we prayAnd not make youA cosmicSanta clause?

Why do weIgnore youIn our hearts?

Why do we shudderScoff and runFrom seeing you asFemale as well as male?

Why are your teachingsYour loveTwistedTo create hurt and hate?

What is true power?How do we truly lead without you?How can anyone inspire apart from you?

I walk in the darknessBut you dance in the light.

The moonThe world’s veilWhile we encourage good

She feels the painGaia RapedShe criesThe rapists smileWallets full.

43

Thirty-Seven

Reassurance:

In the times of bliss you are there. Lord when we hit thedepths of despair you are there. Whether we are healthy orsick-you are there. Educated or ignorant you are in ourhearts. Be with us in the walk Lord; let us live in PerfectJoy for you are in our hearts no matter what. Amen.

44

45

Thirty-Eight

When your Son fellAnd needed help,The Spirit movedAnd Simon of Cyrene met you

Lord, there are manyWho proclaim their faith inChristBut their actions are destructiveIn wars,Famines,Pandemics,Bad Leadership,SelfishnessAnd cover-upsBut we know it is throwing stonesAt glass housesIf we stand idleAnd silent in the pain

Like Simon, who stepped up,Despite the rage of the crowds,Lord thrust your children of the worldOnto the world stageEmpowered by your graceYour loveYour Holy SpiritYour kingdom comes

Ultreya.

46

Thirty-Nine

Community:

Lord bless your gathered saints around the globe. Let usremember that it is in encouraging one another that yourlight spreads, and we draw closer to you. Tear down thewalls of denomination and pride to let your Son shinethrough us in our blessed diversity that is your body. Amen

47

Forty

You bragged on JobLordThen the tests cameHe lostEverythingYet stayed true

Lord let your Spirit moveIn meSo that I may be like JobAt this time for darkness

Remove the stain of illnessFrom those I loveAnd their families

Hear the prayers for healingO’ LordShow your majestyWhere are you?Why does it feel like we pray in vein?

I know we do not.I know your ears hear.What glory will you reveal?When you heal all?

Ultreya

48

Forty-One

Love for Enemy:

As towers crash, bombs explode on buses and gases fill outsubway tunnels. We look with horror and hatred upon ourenemies who cause us physical and economic suffering.Lord, we ask for your heart in these matters as we preparefor war or peace, let us look upon the world—and our fallenhumanity, with the eyes of your Son as he hung on the crossto redeem us. Amen.

49

Forty-Two

Mother,How easily we forgetIn our celebration ofThose who can have childrenThat as you churchWe are familyYour churchBuilt by womenSpread by the motherly loveIn our pewsTo the worldWhere there is careConcernTeachingPrayingThere is a rockOf faithFound in the SpiritSo many of usAs wee onesTaught simply to prayBy our mothersMaternal and Spiritual

Amen.

50

Forty-Three

God we thank you for blessing us with women in our liveswho let your love shine through them. They are our Ammaswhether or not they realize it, helping us grow, and liveout your love. We thank you for them, one of our mostcherished gifts. Amen.

51

Forty-Four

The poor will always be with usAt what level should the poor live?In our country so wealthy?The government stripsHealth careAnd the church remains quietThe government damages care of the childAnd we don’t bat an eyeA hostage dies trying to bring peace,And the church closes their mouth.The government shifts the definition of traditionalWe create a clamour.As your bodyWe have failedTo speak outFor the marginalWe have not visited youWhen you were sickIn JailClothed youWhen you were nakedOr fed youWhen you were hungryWe were too concernedAbout our powerIn society…

Amen.

52

Forty-Five

God we ask for a true Christian life that can only be livedwith your Holy Spirit’s baptism upon us. Do not let usbecome lost in the trivial, but be living the heart of yourSon, Jesus Christ, our Lord in our world. Living so muchthat the subtlest of our actions will encourage others toanswer your Son’s knocking on the door of their heart thatonly they can open. Amen.

53

Forty-Six

From the ashesOf burnoutThe phoenix risingAgain.

RebornRenewedTo ash inNighttime slumbers

Re-awakenedIn bodyIn morning light

To meet the dawnDiscoverMinister to creationAllowCreation to ministerTo me.

54

Forty-Seven

We act shockedWe condemnAsk how it could happenIn our communityTwo girls locked awayForced to sell their soulsOne may be with child,We act shockedScream for justiceBut where were we LordThat we turned a blind eyeTo the evil our neighbour’s houseWhere were we reaching out?Where were we living as community?To shine your love?Equip us LordTo change this world.

Ultreya.

55

Forty-Eight

How did we get where we are today? Where murders smile andwave at cameras. What point did we lose it, was it when wemade games with points for raping women? Or points formurder? Or have we just given in to the darker corners ofour own hearts as death tolls roll in from catastrophe andwe do not blink; yet we can mobilize for the imminentcrisis, but not long-term stability. Lord let us be thereto walk through the healing. Equip us to shine brightly inthe darkness. Show us the way back to your heart. Amen.

56

Forty-Nine

You are awesome,God,Without you there would be nothingThe skies,The wonder of natureAnd the cosmosAll come from your creating handYou took chaos and made it orderThe sound of your drums ring outAs your worldYour universeYour galaxyYour peopleCreated in LoveBy you…

Thank youFor creating.

Ultreya.

57

Fifty

God as we drift of to slumber in the dark, we pray yourlight to protect. We thank you Lord, that by our ownthoughts, words and deeds we know we fall short of yourglory. Yet Lord in your compassion, you love us anyways andyearn for us to be in fellowship with you. Thank you Lordfor just being you despite our humanness. Amen.

58

Fifty-one

It is so hardTo comprehendHow you can love…Even those who are evilYet you didLove enough to send us your SonLord let us rediscover your heart as a peopleIn the way we interact with our communitiesSo that your glory may shine through usSo hearts may be opened to your love.Amen.

59

Fifty-Two

In honour of Canada’s Peacekeepers, and those who went toparadise instead of coming home to Canada.

Blessed are the peacemakersOr so the Gospel tells usYet we keep burying our youngWho try to shine lightInto the darkness of countries ripped apartBy warNow we buryOur firstWoman casualtyWho loved her nation,And stood on guard for thee…Be with her family,Her nation,Let us hold fast to your loveAnd bless our peacekeepers.

Ultreya

60

Fifty-Three

Dad,The world is in troubleLeaders care more about who has the powerAnd keeping the powerYour children are dividingLabellingIn some nationsBeing forced to bear a markYou command us to pray for our leadersNo matter their stripeAs I watch the path supposed Christian leadersTake my nationLordI implore youShine your light upon their path.I rip my shirtAnd cry for you to unharden their heartsTowards one anotherThe mediaAnd fellow citizensRemind them the root of governanceIs serviceOf the people.

Ultreya

61

Fifty-Four

Lord, we ask for perseverance in our faith. We beg forboldness, as Mathaias and his sons had in the face of theSeleucid occupation and desecration of Israel. Let us notwaiver in living in your heart, and living out our faith inboldness, piety, study and action. To know that we havetrue freedom in you, and when we hold firm to our love ofyou our world will be radically changed for the better.Ultreya.

62

Fifty-Five

The sun has risenAnother day begunWe are hereTo serve you Lord.Let us remember that all thingsFlow from youAnd you are in control,That you Love us enoughTo allow us to do harmful things to one anotherPlease let us act in your Love and Your WillNot our pride and our will.Let us seek youLet us find youLet us feel your loveFlow through us.Amen.

63

Fifty-Six

I look out from my church’s amphitheatre, to a communitythat is quiet. Almost a year ago, our children died on ourstreets, making choices for evil instead of good—bulletsand blood. Lord equip you saints in this community to goout. To be the lights, the friends, the mentors, and thefamily that is needed…to transform the heart of a communityfor you. Amen.

64

Fifty-Seven

EndingsLord walk with meAs doors close in my lifeWords of farewell are spoken,Gift me with wordsThat inspireFor the new teamsThat takes over the endeavours LordLet the political leadership needed in the areaThrive and growAnd open new doorsFor new challenges and adventuresThank you Lord for all the things I have been able to doIn my life of service to you.Amen.

65

Fifty-Eight

Lord, we fall short of loving one another as you have lovedus. We know this, but we pray that you will empower us tobe able to do this. Anoint us with your Love and kindnessLord so that we may step out in faith and know that ouractions do make positive impacts in our world. Amen

66

Fifty-Nine

How can we make amends lord?For the beggars we leaveDying in our streetsTo the prisonerWho is lonely,BeatenOr rapedHeld without chargeBy national governmentsBoth friends and foeThat we ignore and sayWell they have the authorityWhether rightsOr those created in your image are respectedWith dog collarsNuditySodomyWe go for the “truth”As they say whatever it takesTo feel release…Lord forgive usFor our stupidityAnd degradationKeep those imprisonedUnjustlySafeFrom your “children”.Amen.

67

Sixty

For the Eucharist:

Alleluia! As we kneel at your altar Lord, let us partake ofyour healing blood, blood that washes away all our misdeedsand taste the bread of hope on our tongues, with humblehearts. Hearts that welcome your glory lovingly and openlyto change this world for the better. Amen.

68

Sixty-One

Mummy,I stand on the brinkOf new beginningsMinistries of oldThe doors are closing tooI wait to see what new blessings you pour outLight my pathGuide me in your willLet me be your minister in this worldShow me where I am needed to serveAnd anoint me with your SpiritFor ServiceService to build your kingdom here on earth,As it is in Heaven.To truly live the change I want to see in this world,The vision that you have given me.Amen.

69

Sixty-Two

In the light of day, it is easy to follow you Lord. Yet inthe darkness of night, we stand unsteady on our feet.Those who do not know you, so we do not lose face, or areviewed as uncool and go along for the ride easily sway us.Yet in the darkest dark of night God we know you are therecalling out to us, your lost sheep. Lord we pray that youkeep us as your people especially in the times when we areso unlike your Son, that it would be easy to despise usLord. Amen.

70

Sixty-Three

The body is in pain Lord,You have granted us such joysThere are births that are to happenBlessings of miracles upon these couples,Praying Lord that your protection be upon themAnd their unborn children.

Cancer is rampantLord grant us your peaceAnd for those who suffer with this horrible illnessGod lift them up in your loving armsAnd heal them, they are your beloved children.Remove the blight of sickness and pain from their bodies.

There are those among us Lord who suffer illnessesDoctor’s cannot diagnoseGrant the physicians your great wisdomAnd compassionTo bring healing into the lives of your children.

There are those among us who suffer from addictionsTo drugs, alcohol, material things, pornography or whateverblocks us from youRemove the stumbling blocksDestroy the hunger pains that draw us back to ouraddictionsHeal us o’ great PhysicianFor it is the sick that need a doctor not the well.

O Divine MasterGrant us your peace, love, hope, joy and peaceSo that we can be your hands and feet in this worldProvide the care that is truly empowered by you.

Ultreya

71

Sixty-Four

Lord it is so unfair, you build up amazing ministries yet asaint shortage causes them to wan and die. I do notunderstand why we are called into the breach to be lefttwisting by our fellow servants in Christ Lord. Especiallyin the importance of discipling a new generation up inservice for you to change this world for the better.

God I am so lost, the heart grows weary watching miraclespour out but having no one there to catch them, what shallhappen to your body as the young remain leaderless, thechildren without a shepherd to guide them through thedarkness of the world to the light that is in your heart.

Lord be with us in this time, empower and call those whohave the gifts needed to equip the future generations.Light a fire under your saints’ feet to get us active orconsume us in our sloth.

Amen.

72

Sixty-Five

Your glory Lord is great.We would be nothing without you.You are the beginning and the end.Such a glorious end we are promised.No pain.No pettiness.No evil.Just you and us.Thank you God for your mercy.Thank you God for your Love.Thank you God for your faithfulnessWithin our stupidity.Thank you God for being the awesome GodOur words fail to describe adequately.Amen.

73

Sixty-Six

The youngest generationHarmedAbusedThrough action and inaction

In-bredSexualizedCommodifiedBoughtSoldFor pennies

DishearteningOn displayPedophile’s dreamOur childrenCrafted into

SadnessOverwhelmsI foreseeWhere the sexualized roleChildren playLeads.

Not toEqualityHarmonyPeaceLike grandparents fought for.

NO!

Leads toSelf-destructionOn a rotting mattressIn a backroom20-30 tricks a nightFor the young body.

Sins of the parentsVisited on the childProphets wordsEcho in our heartsFalling on deafness

74

Idly indulgentPetty rebellionNorms of our parentsStripped away

Our childrenNothing moreFreebies & twinkiesOffered upTo the demonsOf the child sex tradeDevils on earthPowered byMummy & DaddyMastercard.

75

Sixty-Seven

Thought I had been faithful to my callingEntering into a jobTo helpFulfill a ministryOpen up a safe sanctuaryFor children and youthYet LordWe stand on a cuspI have been here beforeI pray that you provide leaders and mentorsSo the kingdom can continue to be built.Lord we cry outShow the lightGuide the heartsTo the ministriesSomehow LordBless me with your wisdom to be ableTo help people realize their calls.Amen.

76

Sixty-Eight

Thought I had been faithful to my callingEntering into a jobTo helpFulfill a ministryOpen up a safe sanctuaryFor children and youthYet LordWe stand on a cuspI have been here beforeI pray that you provide leaders and mentorsSo the kingdom can continue to be built.Lord we cry outShow the lightGuide the heartsTo the ministriesSomehow LordBless me with your wisdom to be ableTo help people realize their calls.Amen.

77

Sixty-Nine

The CreatorIs loving.

The creatorIs in everything.EverythingIs in the Creator.

LoveIs the ultimate powerFuelsAll creation.

LoveIs runningOn empty?

78

Seventy

Grant us boldness Lord Jesus. Just as Judas Maccabeus hadbefore leading his legions into war. To have the strengthto stand before you Lord and lift up our cries to be heardand answered. Cries to bring us victory over ouradversaries in life whether it is self-doubt, addictions ordemons seen or unseen. Lord be our sanctuary. Lord be ourfortifications, lift us up out of the dredge no matter howoverwhelmed we feel or how out numbered by the onslaught ofthe world in our ministry you have called us to. Hold usfirm Lord, be the rock we can build our house upon toglorify your kingdom.

As the night crowds in Lord let your light, so brilliantlybright that the darkness that washes over us is putasunder. Let it be left confused and unable to infect us.Lord be true to us. Let us stand true in you despite ourhumanity.

Amen. Amen. Amen. In the name of the Father, the Son andthe Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! You areglorious Lord!!

79

Seventy-One

Inspired by the Gospels, The Prophets, Pope Paul VI 1967Encyclical on Social Action and Pope John Paul’s EncyclicalOn Social Concern 1987. Oh how we have failed the lessfortunate in this world…offering nothing more than abandage for a gapping gut wound.

So many things we are told give us worthBeautyWhich is subjective to some ad agency and airbrushMoneyWhich is fleetingHere one dayStock market crashed the nextThingsWhich because we own thingsOur houses have become like prisons with bars, alarms andarmedShiny diamonds and goldFood we cannot possibly eat in a lifetimeBut we’ll be damned,

If the dying child will get any it’s ours!!They can get a job.You provide Lord in your blessed creationEnough for us allIf only your wealthy Western WorldGave a damn enoughTo ensure the developing worldShared in your splendourOur missionaries go out with hypocrisy and hollownessFrom a church that is nothing more than the frozen chosen.Unfreeze us Lord,Let us careLet us stand with our poorer brothers and sistersWhen they are on strike for better wages, safer workingconditions…We NEED to be with them,They do not stand alone…Let your voice ring out throughyour Church.Let us understand the FREEDOM Christ brings like ourbrothers and sisters do.Let us understand your LOVE as those who are not wealthy doLord…Let us experience creation, love and grace from you asthose who do not live in the West do.

80

Lord let us be renewed in your Holy Spirit…and Shatter the Corrupt World Order with your Passion.Amen.

81

Seventy-Two

Today Lord in our world, our leaders can be lost so easilyin hypocrisy that we ourselves are lost in. So easilytrying to show the world that life with Christ is blisswith no pratfalls or struggles. We try to hide ourjourney, and our temptations so as not to blemish the“cross” we carry to the world, but in the very act of doingso Lord we destroy the cross itself because the burdens youpromised we could turn over to you, we have internalizedand attempted to carry ourselves.

Let us drop the walls of our super Christianity and be thehumans that came to your Son, and accepted the wonderfulgift of the Cross. In my own journey Lord help to teach meto be more open in my life and struggles, to show forthyour glory.Amen.

82

Seventy-Three

The stone has been rolled awayMary stood thereThinking you were someone elseThe shroud laid outRemoving death from us eternally.You called to her by name,Upon hearing her nameFall from your lips Lord.She saw your gloryFelt your love for her.Every day you call out to us LordIn your Love,Calling us by name.Today, the day your Son ascends to be on your right.The day the Holy Spirit is promised to us.Let us hear the passion in your Son’s voice for us,As he calls us to you…Bye name.Let this love pour out of us Lord in our daily livesTo change our world for the better.

83

Seventy-Four

It is always darkest before the dawn. We feel the pain ofalmost failure, pain that is used to challenge us in ourwalk, challenge us to think that we have failed in ourcalling to you that you do not care for us. These arethoughts placed in our minds, in the battlefield for thisworld that can keep us frozen to our Pews. Lord besteadfast in us, let us feel the faith that Job had despiteobstacles and blockades, that understanding that you lovedhim. Let us have the passion to raise our questions to youand know that you will answer. Give us the encouragement topray knowing that they will reach your ears. Amen.

84

Seventy-Five

Joshua stood one of two remaining of a generationHis peers not trusting in youWandering till they vanishedTrue faith in you he stoodTo claim the Promised Land

Like the Centurion who came to ChristFor his servant’s healingKnowing that Christ just had to speakAnd it would be done

The power of your word to healOr rip asunder Lord,Your scriptures tell us the stories…Of the power of the word that became flesh.

Lord let usYour humble peopleUnderstand the power of our own wordsTo build believers and non-believers alikeUpOr the ability to rip asunderThe fragile threads that hold a human together

Our words LordLet the dismissal from your service to the saintsRing true in our heartsAnd for our words in the coming weekTo compliment our actionsFor your gloryTo be a friend, make a friend and bring a friend to Christ.Ultreya

85

Seventy-Six

What’s S-I-N?It-the wordNarrow conceptTool of oppressionUsed byMaterially wealthyAnd learnedTo controlOppressThe masses.

Fear of hellfireBrimstoneTortureEternal damnationRigid legalityHumans as property

Women lesserAbuse okayedBeatingsTorture of children

God’s nameLibeledUsed in slanderEncouragementTo:GENOCIDESHOLOCAUSTS

3 Little letters:S-I-NSpellsGODMan made in a box.

Break the boxExpose the liesWe are not evilWe are not fallen

God lovesGod calls usVery good.

86

Seventy-Seven

At Auschwitz, Pope Benedict XVI cries out “Lord why wereyou silent?” when it comes to the Holocaust. Yet Lord inour own hearts we need to ask, why were we silent? Why didwe let the cries of the victims of Nazi Germany or Stalin’sSoviets fall on deaf ears? The cries of the victims ofcountless Genocides since? Or closer to home, why do we notact with the cries of the abused child or spouse? Why do weremain silent when we know of our inhumanity to one anotherthat fall short of your glory, your justice?We plead and say, God will be with you or I’ll pray foryou. How many more must die? How much more innocent bloodmust be on our hands as Christ’s body before we act asChrist does, with boldness and love for those who have noother voice for them?Amen.

87

Seventy-Eight

Our faith is littleWe do not believe that miraclesThat you can doWe are blind to the good and evilThat exists in this worldOnly seeing you Lord, when something does not go our wayYou are our scapegoat, not our glorious creator.Just like the disciples on the boat when the storms roseWe turn to you and say, “Calm them”Only coming to you in times of tribulation…With our empty promises and barteringYet you still call us beloved,You still call us by name.Lord let us in our feeble faith,Be able to take this love to those around usAnd to one another.Let us be vessels of your love to the world at large. Amen.

88

Seventy-Nine

All things end. Tonight Lord I left up the organizations Ihave been called to step down from in leadership so thatothers may shine, Lord I ask you bless them and call thoseinto these ministries that need the renewal of passion anddreams. Lord I pray for the church universal move us outof our seats, empower us with dreams like Joseph in Egyptor Paul and Peter as they set out on Missionary journeys.Show us the fields that we are blind to that need to beharvested, we know you are calling and that you will notforce, yet bless us all with eyes that you have for yourcreation. Let us see this world with your love, with yourheart.Let us forget our human pettiness and get active inchanging this world. Lord, tonight we pray that tomorrowas a new day dawns that you will be with us, that we willsee with renewed love the world you have entrusted to us.Let tomorrow be a fresh beginning for all in heart, souland mind.Ultreya.

89

Eighty

Cool windShort skirtsBoys and girlsTurned outFor pleasureOf adults

A woman shuddersAs she spreads her legsA boy spreads his cheeksThey take the penis in handMouth

A needle in the armVeins poisonedSimpleShort releaseAlcohol pours

GamblingSupports social programsAddictions feedUsers of programsVicious circleSolutionsNot abound.

Chaos.Tricks for foodTricks for electricitySurvival sexFalse intimacy

PreyBecomePredatorsTo make ends meet

StressHearts give outLives cease

The cool breeze blowsShe collapsesConvulsing

90

Another lifeThrown away

Another millionPumpedOilIn Alberta soil

Money in the bankWealthyWealthierPoorPoorer.

LifeNothing moreThanDollars and cents.

91

Eighty-One

DepressionHigh cholesterolCancerLike the rainbowIn the skyWake up callsFrom God.To renewMy imageUnderstandingJourneyWith the Sacred.Shed negativeRelationshipsThoughtsExcess weightUnhealthy choicesEmbracePositiveRelationshipsLifestyleHealthy choices

Discover my soulFinally complete.

92

Eighty-Two

More powerfulThan usDefeated by us.The Cosmic SacredWithin us.

Told toMake convertsEvangelizeChrist the only wayTo HeavenGod.ParadiseNirvana.

All PatriarchalLies.Status Quo.

OppressionCondemnationExploitationLove GodHow we tell you to.

God lovesALL

She isOne riverMany wellsTo drink deeply from.Actions replace oppressionWith the Queendom.Respond to God’s love:Love God;Love neighbour;Love self;

Life in the nowShatters the oppressionFreedomFinale.

93

CONCLUSION

Dream no little dreams.-Tommy Douglas

(First leader of the NDP & The Greatest Canadian)

Creation calls out in pain. In my province, the great

promised land as the Klein Dictatorship coined us, Alberta,

well water for farmers is mostly undrinkable; our province

is being strip mined for our oil selling to the highest

bidder for the smallest profit for Albertans.

Our ecology is poisoned. Has humanity caused global

warming or climate change? No, archaeological records

prove that our eco-system’s climate is constantly changing,

but (you knew there was going to be a but) it looks beyond

a shadow of a doubt that we as a species have accelerated

the process to dangerous levels.

Many world leaders both political and religious have

pointed out that healing creation is not just a one trick

pony. There are many things to look at to truly heal

creation we need to address all social ills:

Poverty

Environmental Catastrophe

Violence

Hatred

Social issues

94

These are but a few to be named; look around there are many

non-profits; non-governmental organizations and charities

searching for excellent volunteers and staff to change our

world for the better. As Mahatma Gandhi once said; be the

change you want to see.

Thank you for reading my Cuppa with God it is time to

have your own and find your true Calling to change the

world.

Shalom & Namaste.

95

Bio Bit

Ty Ragan is a life long peace and human rights activist. Inhis activism he has had the pleasure of dialoguing, meetingand working with a wide array of world & community leaders.He has served as a lay minister within many denominationsworking with children, youth & young adults as well as instreet ministry with Calgary’s Mustard Seed & Inn from theCold. His spiritual formation was crafted in theFranciscan Charism and his politics are socialist throughand through (having run in the 2006 Federal Election in hishome riding of Calgary Northeast where he has been alifelong resident, finishing a respectable Third).

Back Cover Quotes:

“How do you get HOPE?”-Guest of the Mustard Seed Street

Ministry

“These poems stem from Ty’s long journey of unfocused youth

to an inspiring spiritual leader in the community.”

-Paul Vargis