the towers have
fallen & killers roam at
large––
our leaders pause
for righteous
convocations.
war can always
attract a
mob (such shadows
there are in the human
heart).
the people wave their
flags & chant for
blood, while spitting
squalls of eyes & teeth
begin.
a fearful-urge
takes charge & people
rush to
crush their
neighbors.
poison toads
roar like
tigers &
everything is
permissible.
it is time to
pray.
there are very many
faiths in this world &
perhaps they can
agree––
to pray for
forgiveness––
condemning less
& tolerating
more.
to pray for
compassion––
protecting this
endangered world
& its shattered
poor.
& above all––
to recite
an endless litany for
peace––
this planet is so
small & we are
many.
destructiveness
has far out grown our common
sense.
our work on
earth is
peace.