The biggest contradiction of all
is how,
in a world where
billions of people
pray and talk and sing
and long for unity,
justice, and peace,
the wars go on and on,
the atrocities get
worse and worse,
rhetoric gets more toxic
and inflammatory,
injustices abound,
and peace
can only be found
and felt
inside one's human heart.
for Sumana's prompt at What's Going On: Contradiction.
You have nailed it, Sherry! I could not have said it better!
ReplyDeleteThe way the world works...well said...though my heart is troubled, still looking for elusive peace...
ReplyDeleteOh, Sherry! We're on the same wavelength. Though I may have a little more hope, I love in your poem most of all: "peace
ReplyDeletecan only be found
and felt
inside one's human heart"
That is so true, Sherry. For years we seemed to forget that somewhere in another part of the world a war was raging and most people in the West thought of World War Two as the last one. The Internet has brought war so much closer.
ReplyDeleteI love the ending of this poem Sherry - I am glad there is always a way to find our hearts - Jae
ReplyDeleteYes it seems that peace on earth will only be found in the heart of man. Powerful poem!
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Sherry. This is so concisely, aptly put with your sharp pen.
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful reflection. The contrast between humanity’s hopes and reality is deeply felt, and your words capture that contradiction beautifully. A thought-provoking and poignant piece.
ReplyDeleteWell penned, Sherry. It brings to mind several quotes: "If you want peace prepare for war" (Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus; or "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” (George Orwell); "If we don't end war, war will end us." H.G. Wells. It seems that we humans fail to learn from history and repeat the same mistakes over and over...
ReplyDeleteYours is an excellent choice for a key contradiction. As history shows, people cry for peace but they also need to defend themselves from aggressors. Also, humanity by nature is territorial, as are most of Earth's creatures. But for us it all starts and ends with the human heart.
ReplyDeleteGreat poem which is a core subject I struggle with as well. There are so many good people Why does the light not conquer the dark
ReplyDeleteYour lines go straight into the heart Sherry. A true "human heart" is the dire need of the hour. The last four lines specially hold our hope.
ReplyDeleteMay there be peace.
ReplyDeleteOn this point, no contradiction.