What I Learned on a Mission Trip in Nicaragua

What I Learned on a Mission Trip in Nicaragua

Lauren Newton

Fall 2018

I swayed in the unbreathing air. You tell

us blindly God will save our blotted souls.

A tear rolls down, you sneer then stare, eyes null.

If you don’t convert her, she’ll go to hell.

A freckled, gentle friendship found in third

grade gave me something larger to regard

than myself. Her kindness broke down my guard,

so He’s close when she laughs. I know He’s heard.

You say her life’s a solemn sham without

Jesus, that Jews can never live in light.

Too bad she’ll never see the afterlife.

If it’s not about love, what’s it about?

My second home, I break brisket again.

There’s always room for love in religion.