VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Ernest Bisong, violin, Matthew Williams, viola, Mary Jo Gothmann, piano

When we are tethered to fear we cannot hope
to abolish injustice;
courage gains ground
only when we recognize it beneath our own feet.
You can’t test the parting of the sea
without setting foot on to the sand.
Faith in the potential
is the only way to reclaim humanity.
While caution and division
shout above the waves;
hope is the tide that rises
again
and again
persistent even in retreat
already planning to rush in once more.
A chance—to try again
Try again,
better this time
more compassionate this time,
more loving this time,
more understanding this time.
We should be the sea
that never tires of returning to the shore;
that retreats and gathers strength
to fight
again
and again.
Washed clean—not forgotten;
forgiven, to try again
better this time; compassionate this time,
loving this time, understanding
this time.
—Cara Cullen