i know not peace
from the evening news
bearing tidings ambiguous
denoting a future perilous
i know not peace
by a fallen enemy
slipping out of memory
like a drunken man’s misery
i know not peace
as a status symbol
or a stamp of approval
bought-my-way-in label
I know not peace
as i witness surrender
from a downtrodden warrior
a misstep away from savior
i know not peace
though it must exist
as i’ve glimpsed its passing
in the kindness of a stranger,
in the slumber of a dreamer,
in the shadow of a dancer,
in the devotion of a lover,
in the echo of a singer,
in the smile of another,
in the love of a mother…
+++++++++++
for one shot wednesday
image by Katrina Nicole
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
This is beautiful Belinda. I linked my post today back to you. I am with you that peace begins within ourselves in those small moments where we choose to love instead of hate.
We seek peace but peace is sometimes unattainable. Peace does exist in ourselves…
Beautiful the way you expressed it
The last stanza was the kicker for me–loved it.
Perfect.
Just lovely, Belinda.
Lovely ~ so gentle! I loved this for many reasons, but the angry stuff comes at us so loudly and with such frequency, that this ‘whispered’ reminder to take in the peaceful bits is very powerful!
Belinda,
This was lovely. You did a great job with the rhythm of this one and the subject is so important, especially right now. I agree with others who commented that there are different types of peace; the inner one we can achieve through our efforts on our own. The outer one, the one that we see in the world, is still a long ways away. Perhaps it will come when enough people understand how connected we are as humans, rather than seeing how separate we are.
I am continually amazed at the beauty of your poetry:~)
This is absolutely beautiful… and I couldn’t agree more. I love it.
yes i think you have seen a bit of peace in all those places though i wish it were grander in scope…
Expressed well, thanks.
Excellent poem as well as statement ( regarding the state of current affairs)
we really cant find what we are looking for in organizations / bureaucracy but in the heart of people
thank you for giving each of us a moment to ponder where we find peace
Belinda you are such a great poet. I love reading them – always do though sometimes I don’t comment. I especially love the ending. Very uplifting.
Prompts me to think of a Platonic dialogue whereby a concept seems to be explained through examples or perceived instances of the idea in question. A great poem with depth and honest reminders that peace can take many forms
Love it!
oh Belinda….you know peace well…if only all of the world could stop and see it moment to moment, so much would be different in our broken world.
I like this so much. And your timing is perfect. I’ve been uneasy these past two days. We seem to drive peace away even as we seek it.
Your poem really moves me. I especially like the last stanza. This is a poem that we need right now.
Evocative.
I like this line … “in the echo of a singer”
Very cleverly worked into a Mother’s Day poem. Nice ending!
love your definition of peace belinda…and great image too
thank you for the reminder that there are so many good things that do indeed offer hope
i know not peace
though it must exist
as i’ve glimpsed its passing
in the kindness of a stranger,
in the slumber of a dreamer,
in the shadow of a dancer,
in the devotion of a lover,
in the echo of a singer,
in the smile of another,
in the love of a mother…
A killer piece! I feel so relaxed after reading this as if it were a chant to calm the restless soul!
Hugs xox
This was an excellent example of a warning with a reassuring end. I’ll come back to this a lot I reckon. Thanks.
Well said, and I totally agree with you–you express my own ambivalence better than I could. Thanks.
I really like this. I think that it captures the way a lot of us are feeling.
Perfection!!!
peace is an echo
of a stone thrown in a pond
high in the mountains
I had to read this a couple of times and let it sit.for a moment, then as a connoisseur would sample wine, let it roll across my psyche to gather all its flavors. Beautifully written from it’s tart opening to gentle lingering finish.
Such truth so skillfully told.
So beautiful. The glimpses of peace restore hope for me…
Stunningly simple.
I’ve shared it here:
http://binspiredmama.blogspot.com/2011/05/binspired-link-love.html
THANK YOU!