It is a precious thing to live in peace,
and peace is not white tie sameness and
the dull regret of lifelong prison silence,
but open, filled with voices animated,
embracing the differences that make us
unique without the need to go to war.
As we listen, as we respect, and understand
that no one sees the world the same way, we
can learn, we can grow, we can change and
bring our gaze to bear on sorrows, loss and
challenges unique from another pair of eyes.
Peace is patience incarnate,
and does not distain dissent
and differences in ways and opinions
shared in the spirit of freedom’s voice,
but uses these as opportunities
to be more, not less, to be greater
through the assembling of what might
be cause to divide and flavour with hate,
but in the end creates compassion,
and the deepening of our collective souls.
22/1/2021