In honor of the International Day of Peace, I would like to re-post a poem I wrote last year after a group of us completed a silent meditative walk from the United Nations to Times Square. A unique experience that I attempted to capture in my way.
Peace Making Isn’t Easy
Walking the busy streets of New York
I realized, peace making isn’t easy.
People’s glances and comments
made it obvious, there was still
work to be done.
One tried to scare us off…how can you scare peace off?
There is no such thing, as peace
is lived and felt within.
Another tried to point us to Jesus
“I hope you pray to Jesus”, he said, “I hope you do”
stepping aside perplexed, as we
sent him unconditional love.
A woman stood still, for a moment
wondering what we did.
Then, graciously bowed
our gaze silently affirming
the deeper connection within.
Still others came and went, frantic
enslaved in their own world.
It’s International Day of Peace today
a day to notice, to acknowledge
how peace is lived within.
For, peace does start in one’s heart
as it is felt therein, it radiates thereout
attracting and transforming what is
uneasy, turbulent, unjust.
Peace making isn’t easy, until
it is made first within your own heart.
A tribute to the UN International Day of Peace, Sept 21, 2010 © Liliane Mavridara
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