CITY OF RECONCILIATION
RECONCILIATION IS US – together standing here / on this sacred corner / our centuries long journey / has brought us to this place / A new beginning lies before us / dancing on the edge of the wind / a dream we can now inhabit / If the City of Reconciliation is where we choose to reside / we must never hide / from the truth of our history / With humility* / we recognize / parking lots were paved / over the home of the Osage / beneath the concrete / are the bones of slaves / We move beyond intentions / in pursuit of redemption / We recover & reclaim / the ruin & rubble that remains / from riots & rebellions & red lines / that attempted to define / humanity / Our bodies comprise a liturgy of inclusivity / All are welcome here / This City of Reconciliation is not built with bricks & mortar / it sits on a foundation of love & hope / & its infinite growth / is empowered by the heart of the people / We of the broken spirit / We of the wounded soul / forge a conspiracy of forgiveness & acceptance / which inevitably makes us whole / with fierce vulnerability / our strength is revealed / we build an amazing citizenry / our homes are habitats of honesty / fractured relationships are restored joyfully / with the masonry of civility / We have even learned to ponder sonder which is to say we perceive / all that we experience collectively / We commemorate this historic intersection / as a site for reflection & reconnection / for communion & reunion / for comfort & peace / In this house we have prepared a table for you / Our balanced menu is stupendous / Everything is seasoned with transcendence / This City of Reconciliation can become our truth / May it all begin on the corner of 31st & Troost
Glenn North, poet
City of Reconciliation
The “City of Reconciliation” poem is part of a collaborative community art project that explores reconciliation through the lens of Reconciliation Services’ work at 31st Street and Troost Avenue in Kansas City, MO. Conceived of and led by social entrepreneur and artist Fr. Justin Mathews, the project incorporates the creative visions of poet Glenn North and architect Elvis Achelpohl.
A Shared Community Vision
The project centers on the voices of 31 neighbors from all walks of life, each contributing a single word reflecting their understanding of reconciliation. Poet Glenn North masterfully wove these words into this powerful poem, capturing the community's aspirations for healing and unity.
A Call to Action
The City of Reconciliation project serves as a challenge and an invitation...
Reflection: Consider Troost Avenue's 200-year history and how, together, we can make reconciliation more possible today than it was yesterday.
Challenge: Co-participate, co-suffer, co-create with your neighbors – for this is love.
