Anonymous (Columbus)

ANONYMOUS
Columbus, OH

Tired of being frightened,
Tired of being anonymous,
Yet, this way of life of mine
Is what I know and how I live.
Praying for the day when
Folks like us can live honestly,
And be recognized for
the good we do --
No judged for what we are --
Not written off because we have a capacity
To live in ways that the majority don not understand.
Hoping for peace
In a world that seems bent on war.
Seeking happiness in the small
quietness of the closet of mine.
Wishing for the strength of knowing
others in the same condition as I.
Knowing that we, the anonymous of the world, cannot even tell one another.
Accepting God's will for me and working to fulfill that while remaining ever anonymous.
Looking forward to the Kingdom where all of us will know love, acceptance, and joy.

Nothing more is known about this person apart from what is told in this story.  In 2002 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church met in Columbus, OH.  I hung this one stole in a prominent place in the Assembly's exhibit hall, and at every event sponsored by a progressive organization, hoping someone might come forward and tell me something more about the donor.  However, the week passed without a word, and to this day this person of faith remains anonymous even to me.

Martha Juillerat
Founder, Shower of Stoles Project
2006