Sunday, August 12, 2012

Alice Walker and Veterans for Peace


Torture

When they torture your mother
plant a tree
When they torture your father
plant a tree
When they torture your brother
and your sister
plant a tree
When they assassinate
your leaders
and lovers
plant a tree
Whey they torture you
too bad
to talk
plant a tree.
When they begin to torture
the trees
and cut down the forest
they have made
start another. 
Alice Walker

Last night I was privileged to  attend the annual convention banquet for the Veterans for Peace and hear Alice Walker read a poem created for the occasion.  She didn't read the poem I've posted but this poem spoke to me today as I face my current battle.
The banquet was a gathering of souls who have been to war, and back. These veterans stand for the equality of all mankind and for peace, not in a marketed fashionable way, but in the way that includes and respects all humanity in a deeply soulful way. They are the embodiment of facing evil and choosing peace. 
Thank you J.J. for including this Rusty Feminist and for providing the synchronicity that I needed.

2 comments:

  1. Your blog has just the right balance of common sense and emotional expression. It sure helps offer perspective to your pain that is likely hard to put in words. Your writing gets to the point and hits home. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. I disagree. Way too touchy feely. A man who has been to war and back again knows the ugliest side of humanity will never be deleted. Tyranny will continue to rear its head and good men will be sent to do bad things to evil men.

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