She asks me to kill the spider.
Instead, I get the most
peaceful weapons I can find.
I take a cup and a napkin.
I catch the spider, put it outside
and allow it to walk away.
If I am ever caught in the wrong place
at the wrong time, just being alive
and not bothering anyone,
I hope I am greeted
with the same kind
of mercy.
Rudy Francisco is a Spoken Word poet. He uses personal narratives to discuss the politics of race, class, gender and religion while simultaneously pinpointing and reinforcing the interconnected nature of human existence.
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the notion of mercy? Can you share a personal story of a time you experienced mercy? What helps you practice mercy?