A Prayer in Response to America's Current Domestic Unrest

First, I would like to say that watching an amazingly thorough journalist like Maddow every night can sometimes be scary.

The mounting capacity for violence against our democratically elected officials has started to disturb my sleep. Regardless of your political affiliation, I think we can all agree that Ares's place is NOT in the assembly, but on the battlefield, and that we should respect our democratic institutions (and, by association, Zeus and Athene) by behaving civilly.

Everyone should have the opportunity to speak at these events without threat of violence or being intimidated by people screaming loudly and/or lynching effigies of our leaders. I urge you to speak out against the violence as well, regardless of your opinion about nationalized health care.

***

Zeus, lord of freedom,
you who leads the spinning Fates,
don't, I beg you, turn
away from this land where streams
rush swiftly down great
gorges and seas of wheat sway
in the prairie gusts.
From you, divine ruler, all
things descend: conflict
and languid peace, good and bad.
With you comes Dikê,
our lady of justice, she
who guards Heaven's gate,
but also her sister
Athene, Daughter of Metis,
who bears the aegis
and protects democracy.

O Zeus! Victory
against teeth-gnashing Titans
established your rule;
to you we offer incense
and sacrifice fat with bones.
If ever I have
uttered sacred hymns, defend
my country and home.
Purge from this land pollution,
mental distemper;
defend our leaders from cruel
men and truthless words!
Shield our President from harm.
Please accept this prayer,
Thunderer: my offering.