Peace- A Poem for Today

I wrote this poem a year ago, around the time of our last presidential election. I find it even more important this time around.

 We are raw.

 I am raw.

 I am wounded.

 But I don’t strike back.

 My defenses are eroded.

 My patience worn thin.

 My empathy dried up.

 But I don’t strike back.

 The answer is not defensive.

 The answer is diplomacy.

 A lost skill in our generation.

 One we need to find.

 Stop dreaming of peace.

 Peace is created.

 Not found.

 So make peace.

 Absence of peace is not the fault of the noisy.

 Nor is it the fault of the quiet.

 Peace is not created by silencing the loud.

 Or simply by giving the silent a voice.

 Peace is made in the in between.

 When the vociferous listen with empathy

 And the downtrodden speak freely.

When both sides are heard and honored.

Stop demanding peace.

Peace grows in you.

Not outside.

So water peace.

Peace doesn’t develop in the rocky soil of disagreement.

Peace blossoms when we turn our eyes to common ground.

But the seed of peace needs planted,

It is the work we do on ourselves.

Peace comes in asking one question.

What can I do differently?

Peace comes in refusing to ask one question.

What can “they” do differently?

 Stop expecting peace.

 The peace others create

 Only stands if we cultivate it.

 So nurture peace.

 Raze the battlefield,

 Pave it with life,

 Come together,

 And listen.

 Learn.

 Grow.

 It isn’t easy.

 It requires an open mind.

 And an open heart.

 I have a suspicion.

 You missed the point.

 This poem applies to you.

 Make peace.

 Water peace.

 Nurture peace.

 Only you can.

Peace is not found in might.

Peace is born from humility.

Peace is not formed from demands.

Peace is shaped by compromise and understanding.

There will be no peace until everyone looks inside themselves.

What can you do differently?