Love Song for Jane Addams

And then there was the night

the city barn burnt down,

charred horses screaming

who couldn't be shot without official permission

and no one could get the officials

out of bed.

So they called you. Never mind

the prostitutes, illegitimate babies,

kindergartens and reading clubs.

It was the way you stood there

stone-faced, all chi rho cross and conscience

until the final silence came. Your knowledge

of what it took to end

the suffering.

When you said

we never tire of doing

what we know is right

I know you meant it.

But when you get this next gift

please keep it for yourself.