The body of peace and love

is not always pretty and kind,

or fluffy, gentle and cute,

or even filled with warmhearted tears

and supporting smiles,

for it is a body that stands starkly

with the ugly and grim,

with the dust, the fear, and the pain,

and does not move;

it stands in helpless strength,

stands eye to eye

with the dreadful stare of hate,

and without knife or gun or bomb,

the body of peace and love

does not back away or retreat,

but holds a banner high that says,

“We will never give in”.