Far away and near at hand

The floods were far away

Now there near at hand. 

How long before I wet my feet 

and take a stand?

---

The heat was far away.

Now it’s close to home.

How long before I own the fact 

and finally begin to act?

---

Hurricanes were tropical.

Now they’re topical.

How long before I feel my guilt 

and understand the world we’ve built? 

Our climate is changing –

Far away and near at hand. 

Holy God, redeem our failings

and strengthen our resolve:

far away and near at hand.