Whispers

Sometimes, I just feel like this land is burning. And I burn alongside it.

They call out words like, "truce," "ceasefire," and "peace talks."

But we know better.

Their words feel hallow next to words like, "invasion," "rockets," and "death."

Our leaders cry out, "Diplomacy will solve this!"

But diplomacy is slow, diplomacy is filled with handshakes and false promises.

Diplomacy doesn't console the crying, the hurting, the dead.

And it's painful to watch.

WAR

violent conflict

a fearful, hateful reality

temporary constructions mandated by perishable human beings

a hopeful desire for love

positive tranquility

PEACE

The Visible and The Invisible

Hatred.

Hatred of the unknown and the known.

Hatred of the constructed, imagined enemy.

Real.

Real faces, real lives, real people.

Real danger because of their hatred.

Fear.

Fear of the noise, the silence.

Fear of the hatred that has permeated reality.

Hope. 

Hope for a better today, tomorrow.

Hope to end the reality of hatred and fear.

Desire. 

Desire for the conflict to cease, for peace.

Desire for the hatred and fear to fade into a reality of hope.

Love.

Love that consumes - the friend, the enemy, the conflict.

Love, desire, and hope for the end of this fearful, hateful reality.