The need to fight, to oppose,
is older than red rock hills
rising from the desert landscape.
Springs of violence swell
from a righteous vein
to spread upon the dry ground
soaking evening’s quiet.
A crescent moon softens,
the dipper points to north star
but trouble’s impulse continues.
Across the stony ground
and abroad the night sky
comes the inspiration to lay down arms,
to let the calm of ancient light
bring healing to our troubled thoughts.
Over and again we choose our nourishment,
the paths we take on the fields of Cain.
Perhaps one night, may be this night,
we might follow Orion to discover again
the Sisters of peace and become once more
a home among the stars.
photograph by Robert Aughenbaugh
Reading of “Sisters of Peace” with music by Franz Liszt
Hopeful and gorgeous poem, Don!
So beautiful, Don. Thank you brother.
So beautiful and timely, Don. I love your line, “..,to let the calm of ancient light bring healing to our troubled thoughts.” We are here to keep the ancient light shining constantly and continually as we go about our days. Thank you. ❤️
The way of peace is neither through opposition nor acquiescence. Each in its own way gives nurture to the springs of violence.
Don, yes, may the peace come. Thank you for the poem and its hope this morning.
Don, this poem moves me deeply. This glorious image of the heavens provides the perfect perspective. I find myself flying over the stony ground, then soaring through the milky way as the music of Liszt floats above the sound of your voice. Thank you, dear friend.
Thank you! I love this poem! Especially since I have been exploring more about the stars, planets, etc. every day!
Matariki rising, is the sign in the eastern sky used by the Maori people to mark the beginning of the New Year here in the southern hemisphere. This star constellation is the same pleiades, seven sisters. They arise here in New Zealand, peeping above the eastern horizon between early June to early July for a short period before disappearing again.
Exquisite imagery. I am reminded of Martin Luther King Jr.’s words. ” The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy.” Peace be unto you, my friend.
Very nice Don. I enjoyed this poem, and your reading of it, very much. Thank you.
One for the Ages Don — leading through the blasted fields of Cain to the fragrant gardens and vinyards of Abel — following Orion and our Sisters, walking the Skyways till at last, at Home and at Peace within this vast eternal sphere. What a gift! Thank you Brother. db
Well this one makes me weep.
This one’s a keeper. This line resonates with my own thoughts of late: “…to let the calm of ancient light bring healing to our troubled thoughts.” The bands of Orion are loosened by the return of the Divine Feminine, the sisters of peace. Thank you for sharing your meditation. So beautiful and calming.
That’s a wonderful poem, Don. It made me tear right up. I love “the calm of ancient light…” Good on you, as we said in NZ. Oh , and Happy Birthday!