Peace

By Eisha Sarkar

This talk of peace
That we make and keep
Of quiet and sleep
Are expressions we seek.

Unworthy governments
Their brutal policies
The United Nations
And many bureaucracies.

A soldier’s plight
To defend and fight
Wrapped in a blanket
He watches every night.

In a quiet village
Far from the post
Where music plays
A gentle harmony.

Secure and warm
A comfortable home
A family’s unity
Sheltered with hope.

There comes a stranger
A messenger cloaked
Animals in the barn
Sense the danger.

He comes to the door
Reads out a letter
A family’s future
Will change forever.

The marked prejudice
The lack of options
A fate decided
A family disunited.

Carers, keepers
Lawyers, well-wishers
Activists, writers
Rights’ protectors.

Petitions, programs
Campaigns, causes
Funds and fairs
Cameras, journalists.

Discussions, decisions
A family waits:
“How much longer
will they take?”

Then one day
Justice prevails
A sigh of relief
Prayers on lips.

They return home:
To nature’s tranquility
An inner conflict
Buried in secret.