Peacemaking Boogie

By Michael Braswell

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Life is short
Make a difference
Perseverance more than ability is key
Keep trying
 
Even when you are the victim of injustice
Even when you yourself are unjust
Keep trying
 
Be kind to those around you
Be kind to yourself as well
And when you are not
Keep trying
 
And be encouraging
Especially when there is no reason to be
 
Seek completion not perfection
Seek truth not power
Sooner or later the truth will set you free
But not before it beats the hell out of you
Keep trying
 
Answers long forgotten, the question remains:
When will the peace that passes understanding come?
Not at the end of conflict but in its midst
 
Peace is a long-shot
Justice even more so
Sometimes long-shots come in
Believe that they will
 
From peace within to peace without
From being just to justice for all
Keep trying

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Michael Braswell is a retired university teacher and former prison psychologist. He has published books on ethics, peacemaking and the spiritual journey as well as several short story collections.

'Peacemaking Boogie' was first published in Justice, Crime and Ethics (Routledge Books). It has been republished here with the author's permission.