Peace

by

beyond the city lights…

beyond the city lights

places
hidden places
places
without names
or
ways to return to
where
the smell of spring
lingers
in uncut grass
and
meadow flowers
where breathing
was
easy
and
footsteps
fell silent
on dirt roads
sounds
heard
small birds
and
a choir
in an old
country church
hymns
from voices
that
have long passed away
to
other places
also
hidden

by

the book of dying 1:4…

but men chastised claiming their righteousness
war was good bringing all peace
filling the markets so none starved
what’s done is good for all

by

writing on heaven’s walls…

i had planned
to sing
a merry tune
for you
to raise
your spirits
from life’s despairs
but
i could not find
one rhyme
while
words
of hate
fill the air
like
summer cicadas
nestled in
a nation’s darkness
so
i sat here
pondering how
to overcome
these barren thoughts
and
as i did
i saw one finch
join in song
with another
then
another
and
it was as if
god
had provided
the answer
we
must join in song
in a chorus
that defies
darkness
to usher in
the
new day’s
light

by

up in the air…

how many
prophets
preach
this way
to
heaven
how many
candles
must
be lit
to
find peace
how many
silent
tears
are shed
while
alone
how many
voices
fill
night air
with
prayers
how many
cold nights
can
one heart
beat
alone
how many
prayers
are
raisins
in
the sun

by

preparing for death…

as aunt bea
and
i
were leaving
the grocery store
a young man
from the gym
and
health spa
next door
was standing
beneath
one of those
easy-up tents
encouraging
passers-by
to visit their facility
for
a free
physical make-over
noting
how
such
a program
could provide
a rebirth of youth
aunt bea
said
there comes
a time
young man
when
you have
to admit
that the mainspring
is busted
and
no amount of winding
is going
to make
the clock
run any longer
best to
just
enjoy each tick
or
toc
as a beautiful day
one
at a time