As Within, So Without

Peace must start with us, within each of us

 

When festering hearts are cut open

Washed and cleansed

The hard, metal shell of bombs

Will hatch, open gently

Giving birth to new life, and

Peace will come

 

When eyes are blind to fear

Of the other, of tomorrow

The bullets they shoot at flesh of foe

Will soften to fragile petal

And soft fleece, and

Peace will come

 

When words are a clear, patient stream

Cutting through dead wood and rock

Blades will be the blades of grass

That bend and wave to

Children that roll down hills, and

Peace will come

 

When fists unfold, let go, and

Grow into a bloom of open hands

Bloody, barbed and razor wires

Will be a silk ribbon

Round the neck of the world, and

Peace will come

Reviews

[keith]

would be nice, eh? will never happen
there has never been peace in this world, ok, back when this planet was a burning, boiling gassy mass maybe
we all know when man became an inhabitant the s**t hit the not yet invented fan
more than 1/3 of the world's population lives under nondemocratic governing force
even i an old warrior would lay down my arms should peace make its way globally

your argument is well founded in hope that is the very foundational cornerstone of peace
good and thoughtful write

[Laz K.]

I agree. There's never been a golden age of universal peace. The reason? Us.
Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

You have poured out your peace here... Im not going to waste it! This is a beautiful dream! Thank you for sharing!

[Einstein Noodle]

interesting contrasts ..harsh even ... i like the children rolling especially .. lots of levels to this says i! ... the journey within requires facing fears .. standing with quiet confidence those "bombs" will unfold as flowers .. one can not be shaken .. when we are at peace within ... it can spread outward .. we just have to nourish and exercise it ..
E.

[Laz K.]

"Amen, Brother!" These were the words I heard in my head while reading your comment.

It's very helpful to have someone with a discerning eye reflect on our own words.

Thank you.

[Myra Fellows]

Imagery that is not ordinary.
Each phrase opened too like a flower.
Nice.
Inspiring.
My only critique is a ribbon around the neck of the world. It led my mind's eye to that of a choking image....

[Laz K.]

Thank you for reviewing this poem.
Yeah, I guess the "ribbon round the neck" could be visualized as that, but I meant a kind of soft, silk ribbon which, to me, is very feminine - something nice for Mother earth...:)
Thanks again, your words are much appreciated!