Peace as a personal choice

Hello friends,

The war in Ukraine is the latest example that tribal conflict is deeply embedded in human nature and, in Putin’s case, a desire for historical glory. Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that peace, “the way,” is also a personal choice: So the way must be in you; the destination must also be in you and not somewhere else in time or space. This is, really, our only available path when events become overwhelming.

Here is the central poem of my latest collection. It is a call to center ourselves with the community of others joining in compassion and mindfulness. Pope Francis’ visit to the Russian ambassador in Rome is one manifestation that there is always hope of “making peace with our warrior spirit.” Best, Gene

 

Interbeing

“We need people who can help bring mediation
and reconciliation to nations in conflict.”
from Being Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh

The tribe saves and deceives.
Like all animal kin we perish
without breast and hearth,
without touch, teaching, and love.

The tribe separates us
by nation, class, skin, wealth,
and myriad fearful barriers like patriotism
driven by violent nationalism.

We find comfort parading with tanks
and missiles before our dear leader
as anti-militarism becomes cowardice:
“thank you for your service, glad it’s you, not me.”

60,000 rushed to early graves,
taking many more Vietnamese with them
for an insane war, and a wall of names
on the Mall to placate the grieving.

Can we resolve conflicts with the monk’s
diplomacy of understanding and compassion?
Can we make peace with our warrior spirit
surging from reptilian brains

to honor kinship with enemies
long enough to save a beautiful planet?
Cat Max purrs yes with prophets
and mystics around the world.