In a world
of so much hatred,
how to continue
to be of love?
How to resist
being frozen in horror?
Or burning
with rage and blame?
But those
are not the ways.
Only peace
can beget peace.
If only
we could each
become an oasis
of light.
I imagine
each small circle of light
spreading,
merging.
I can’t make it so
for others.
Each can only
choose it ourselves.
And why – in the face
of pain and injustice?
So as not to be
that which I abhor.
Sharing with Poets and Storytellers United at Friday Writings #107. The prompt is to write about a time when we weren't sure if we could (or wanted to) do something but ended up doing it anyway. What I've written is a little bit different – more about something I want to do but (being human) often end up falling short.
I have been following the war closely for the last two months and what you write about is actually happening, slowly but surely, especially among the young as they become more and more aware and keep sharing their voices and energy and light with one another worldwide. Digital merging... but..happening.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is amazing, and so heartening to know! Thank you.
DeleteThe verse,
ReplyDelete"I can’t make it so
for others.
Each can only
choose it ourselves."
hit me. No, we can't MAKE pease but we can sure make WAR. Much of the mideast is at war now, MADE by others.
But we can make it for ourselves if we are willing to take the lumps given by the rest.
A very intriguing write for my mind.
..
by Jim
..
Ah, it's a vexed question, isn't it? I'm glad the poem spoke to you, Jim.
DeleteA timely poem that would be good to share widely. School children maybe.
ReplyDeletemake space
ReplyDeleteleave cracks open
to let the light shine through
no matter how dark it may be
light heals
Rall wrote this cinquain
ReplyDeleteI might well have guessed it was you, Rall. I love your cinquain (including the Cohen allusion) – a perfect response.
DeleteIt's hard to be a human with a working heart and a working brain these days. Your poem reflects a lot of what I've been thinking.
ReplyDeleteI imagine we are far from alone in these thoughts.
DeleteTotally with you.
ReplyDeletePeace can beget peace
May love triumph across seas!
Yes indeed!
Delete"Only peace can beget peace". Wise words for the New Year.
ReplyDeleteIf only those in power might listen!
DeleteYour poem resonates with me so much.
ReplyDelete"If only
we could each
become an oasis
of light."
If only. Sometimes we need help to remember how to do that.
Wishing you well for the new year, Rosemary.
Many thanks, Sunra, and the same to you.
DeleteTrue, only peace can bring peace. We in India have a common slogan Om! Shanthi! Shanthi! Shanthi ('God! peace! peace! peace!). Nice verses.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good slogan! And your 'only peace can bring peace' says it even better than I did.
Deleteapt poetic expressions-the voice of the world at large.Deep inside we desire peace progress and harmony , along with peaceful coexistence but the action towards attaining peace must begin somewhere...the direction is missing the lessons forgotten, the guidance ignored. Has the evil power taken full control? or ..but I have hopes not fears, the best is yet to come but may not be seen by many. Respected Rosemary you have expressed your thoughts well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anjum. Good to hear from you. Truth is, none of us knows what the distant future will really be, and we won't be around to see it. We can only look at the likelihood on present indications, and try to do our own small bit to help it turn out well – knowing that many small bits could possibly combine to make a strong force. Hope is certainly more useful than despair!
Delete"only peace can beget peace" - Yet there are snags at every turn.
ReplyDeleteWonderful piece, Rosemary.
Thank you. It is hard indeed to be hopeful.
Delete