At this year’s “Call to Poets” to create this year’s For A Better World, I submitted 2 poems I had written last year. I actually wrote a new poem, and then at the last minute, didn’t like it enough to submit, and re-submitted last year’s. And last Saturday, June 2, got to read them , and listen to other poets read theirs, at the Art Academy.
Thought you might like to read them, too. : >
1. I Am Connected
I am connected to my cousin in Naples,
My namesake in Dublin, my friend in Slovakia.
I am connected to my friend?s mother in Mexico,
A long ago friend in Kathmandu, friends on an island in Puget Sound.
You are connected long distance with fellow students from all the schools
You?ve attended. Via the news with those whose faces in pain are now
In your memory. Via your work with factory managers in China, bankers
In Taiwan and London, websites round the world selling what you need.
This small and shrinking planet as it suffers through early stage
Global warming is connecting us more tightly. Our sisters and brothers
On the Gulf Coast, our friends and neighbors on those islands
Washed by the tsunami, have such familiar and beautiful faces.
Connection brings respect. Respect brings willingness to listen.
Listening brings a full heart of understanding. Compassion,
The larger Justice, lives in that heart. In our heart. When we are
Conscious of our connection, peace exists within and without.
2. The New Way to Peace
Cooperation. Collaboration.
Working with, listening to, supporting.
Circle englargement – including more ideas
And continually more people.
Adding everyone?s issues, all those concerns,
Building consensus. Over and over and over again.
Giving new members time to absorb organically
Through their skins this new culture.
Moving forward where you are ready to move.
Moving with the group forward where it is
Ready to move. Balancing time and need
And urgency. Looking for middle steps.
Dropping either / or concerns.
Letting go of rules. Small changes
Are still changes. Be cooperative.
Model the world as you wish it to be.