Read the poetry of peace
The Rhythm of Peace Project is gathering original (or favorite) poetry from community members to include in a Rhythm of Peace poetry collection. If you've written poetry on the theme of peace that you'd like to submit or have a favorite poem you'd like to share, please send it to us at poetry@rhythmofpeace.org. We'll post a selection on the site.
The Lightest Touch
Good poetry begins with
the lightest touch,
a breeze arriving from nowhere,
a whispered healing arrival,
a word in your ear,
a settling into things,
then like a hand in the dark
it arrests the whole body,
steeling you for revelation.
…
David Whyte
Excerpt from "The Lightest Touch" from Everything Is Waiting for You.
Used with permission from the author and Many Rivers press.
**********
This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again,
and fillest it ever with fresh life.
This little flute of a reed
thou hast carried over hills and dales,
and has breathed through it melodies
eternally new…
Thy infinite gifts come to me only on
those very small hands of mine.
Ages pass, and still thou pourest,
and still there is room to fill.
Rabindranath Tagore
**********
Peace and Eggshells
Peace is a dove carrying a laurel branch
Peace is a loving gesture
Peace is hands joined around the planet
Peace is a Pilgrim
Peace is a prayer by St. Francis
Peace is two friends feasting their eyes on each other
Peace is a tranquil dwelling within
Peace has a rhythm
Time was when I thought that peace
was something you kept
until I found that in keeping the peace,
I gave myself away.
Walking on eggshells is no peace at all,
is at least a hollow and fleeting peace
exacting too high a price
and besides, quite messy underfoot!
Peace is a choice ...
Barbara Suter
Eugene, Oregon
**********
No coward soul is mine,
No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere:
I see Heaven’s glories shine,
And faith shines equal, arming me from fear.
Emily Bronte
**********
Used with permission from the author and Many Rivers press.
**********
This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again,
and fillest it ever with fresh life.
This little flute of a reed
thou hast carried over hills and dales,
and has breathed through it melodies
eternally new…
Thy infinite gifts come to me only on
those very small hands of mine.
Ages pass, and still thou pourest,
and still there is room to fill.
Rabindranath Tagore
**********
Peace and Eggshells
Peace is a dove carrying a laurel branch
Peace is a loving gesture
Peace is hands joined around the planet
Peace is a Pilgrim
Peace is a prayer by St. Francis
Peace is two friends feasting their eyes on each other
Peace is a tranquil dwelling within
Peace has a rhythm
Time was when I thought that peace
was something you kept
until I found that in keeping the peace,
I gave myself away.
Walking on eggshells is no peace at all,
is at least a hollow and fleeting peace
exacting too high a price
and besides, quite messy underfoot!
Peace is a choice ...
Barbara Suter
Eugene, Oregon
**********
No coward soul is mine,
No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere:
I see Heaven’s glories shine,
And faith shines equal, arming me from fear.
Emily Bronte
**********
