Peace Talk - Lisha Perini

[Larry Robinson]

Peace Talk

Peace is a chord that resounds
through the whole human body—
The gentle harmonic tones
Feeding this planet its life 

Like dividing of skin cells,
Like the rhythm of heart valves
Only in its absence 
do we have a crisis.

Peace does not  arise from force;
Peace comes from a little source 
within each person that widens
into the tributary of a people.

Peace is the rash kindness 
of Innocents, of wayfarers;
The reflex of trusting a stranger 
long enough to help him

Peace leavens our intentions
above the warlords' shouts
As honey in a yeasting dough 		
is taken in and breathed out.

Peace starts life in a small space,
but one  without borders.
Peace needs to grow up this way
Nourished, its quiet mantra rises,

to be heard above the walls we keep up—
walls  which separate You from Them
and you from you.

What happens to one, happens 
to all;  survival of species turns
upon this known refrain 

The cry of this anthem 
so high- pitched, it may be
beyond human hearing

	- Lisha Perini