the homeless builders
by Ashley Alvis
 

 among us are many
  who always dreamed
   of a happy childhood
 but never had one themselves.

 among us there are many
  who always dreamed
   of a happy home,
    never to be
     found.

 these are our discontents.
  these are our salvation.
   their homes can not be created
    from what currently exists.
    it can only be created
   from that which never was
   but was always destined
  to arrive.

 once we learn
  how to build their shelters
   and nurture their joy
   so that it will be passed on,
  then the kingdom is constructed
 for all of posterity

forever.

 those with happy homes already,
  but which aren't open to others,
   stand in the way of progress,
    and separate this world
     from the next.
    they can't be asked to risk
   the happiness of their children.
  their insecurity is simply
 too profound.

 it is the homeless
  who will build
   the kingdom.

   it is the unhappy
  who will mass-produce
 true joy.