How to Pray

If I remembered how to pray, I would.
I would kneel and hold my hands up in subjugation.
I would douse myself in your rivers, breathe in your spirit, and sing any hymn you demand.
Do I whisper or scream, or is it a silent plea?
Whatever the case, I would ask any God for peace.
For health,
For safety,
Not just for me.
Especially not for me.
For those whose lungs cannot take a deep breath.
For those in chains,
Those in fear and suffering,
Those who are more, despite being seen as less,
Those stronger than I faced battles I couldn't comprehend.
Dear God, God's, and Goddesses,
Take their pain, take the violence, take the hate.
Abandon me if you must, but not them.
I have never known you, even when I sat in your house.
But they worshipped you.
They offer you their souls, their faith, their everything, and they need you.
Do not abandon my brothers and sisters.