The bearers of
Peace, it is said,
carry no purse,
bag or sandals.
They come,
unexpected, and uninvited.
Few receive
them, or their message;
most are suspicious,
asking what is
in it for them.
Stillness is
little valued
among people
busy to accumulate;
like modesty
and humility,
it is regarded
as a relic
from less-clever
times.
Peace itself is
no passive thing,
capturing those
who receive it
and bringing
demands
that are not
universally welcomed.
Peace expects
contentment for oneself,
generosity
towards one’s neighbour,
(no matter how
undeserving),
and outrage on
behalf of the oppressed,
the wretched
and the violated.
“Peace to this house!” is considered, at best,
an uncertain blessing.
No comments:
Post a Comment