love your neighbor | pictured words

June 7, 2026

But … (a haibun for Toledo’s Old West End)

Image is from Toledo’s Old West End site: The Old West End

But … (a haibun for Toledo’s Old West End)

Bullets spoke yesterday near the 53^rd Annual Old West End Festival. Were you there to hear their voices pierce the annual exuberance? They say, “A picture paints a thousand words.” But the words of these bullets repainted the landscape of approximately 25 city blocks. They say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me.” But these words spilled blood. Tadeusz Borowski said, “What a curious power words have.” Bullets speak deafeningly, and their words hold power. Sometimes the power of life and death. But …

five-plus decades of
music, art, and inclusion
still have words to sing.

© Marie Elena Good 2026

Toledo’s Old West End

“America. The way it’s supposed to be: Toledo’s Old West End.” ~ American Bungalow Magazine

“Create and maintain a community atmosphere that encourages a harmonious neighborhood that celebrates diversity and inclusion and stands against racism and all other forms of discrimination.” ~ from the OWE’s Mission Statement

The 53^rd annual Old West End Festival, June 6, 2026

“Gunfire erupted Saturday near a busy street festival in Ohio, wounding at least 12 people and sending some eventgoers scrambling for cover while others rushed to help the victims.” ~ Associated Press report

Praying for our region, and especially our Old West End, those who were injured, and those who were traumatized.

OWE: Keep singing your song. ❤

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March 8, 2026

Connecting Neighbor with Neighbour

Photo by Griffin Wooldridge on Pexels.com

Connecting Neighbor with Neighbour

Completed in 1929, the remarkable Ambassador Bridge over the Detroit River is about a one-and-a-half-mile suspension bridge that connects the U.S.A.’s Detroit, Michigan with Canada’s Windsor, Ontario. Being likely the most unobservant person you’ve ever (or maybe never) met, it amazes me that I’ve never found myself unintentionally on the entrance ramp. I’d have approximately 7500 feet to contemplate how to handle my situation upon arrival. My chances of being prepared, dignified, and self-assured are nearly nada.

“Hi! Give me a hug!
Finally, we meet! And me,
without my passport.”

© Marie Elena Good 2026

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April 12, 2025

Untitled angst

If not for nations
coming to my own doorstep,
I’d never know them.

I’d never have seen
they’re here to feed me the food
that comforts their souls.

I’d never have seen
they’re here to make my home both
strong and welcoming.

They’re here to make us
kinder. Gentler. Here to make
their own lives better,

but also the lives
of all those who welcomed them,
and those who didn’t.

I want to save them
from the strangling hands of this
administration.

If not for Donald,
would Vance, Rubio, Musk, Noem,
and all the others

be so emboldened
to heartless vindictiveness
and mercilessness?

If not for clear signs
from history (you know which),
one might never know.

© Marie Elena Good 2025

April 1, 2025

Remember when

Remember When

you were a child, afraid
of trying something new
balking at the color
texture
odor

untrusting of where it came from
afraid it might hurt you
even though some you know
and even trust
happily partook regularly
and encouraged you
just try it.

Remember when
you thought about a sample
just a tiny one
and thought perhaps it might not be
as risky as you feared
and in fact maybe
it might be tolerable.

Remember when
you matured enough
to actually test those waters
and found them to be okay
and maybe even appealing
and maybe even begged
another try
and then you discovered
you loved it
and that you even felt better
when you had it as a regular
maybe even daily
part of your sustenance
and did everything you could
to make sure it was right here
where it could fill you up.

And maybe I’m not talking about food.

© Marie Elena Good 2025

#welcomethestranger

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March 15, 2020

RELATIONSHIP

This is an age of unbroken connection.
Our fingertips tap into instant links.
We’ve little tolerance for imperfection,
And as our ego grows, our goodwill shrinks.

And in this age of unbroken connection,
Our face-to-face relationships have waned.
Resulting loss of physical affection
May render us emotionally maimed.

Now suddenly a time of social distance
Is thrust upon us necessarily.
Most look for ways to be of some assistance,
And find these ways, extraordinarily.

I’m thankful in this time of social distance
For God, who binds my drifting heart to His.
Our Father God pursues us with persistence.
Be still, and let Him show you who He is.

Quick note: My last three lines include words and truths from scripture, and from a long-loved hymn, as follows:

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by Robert Robinson includes the phrase of prayer, “Bind my wandering heart to thee.”

The Bible overflows with God’s pursuit of us, including Psalm 139.

Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Tag: love your neighbor