I Have Found

As a Peace worker I struggle with the concepts

of what it is we do, what it is we represent

and how we go about our business.
But I have found some things are set in stone,

I have found the end does not justify the means
the means must always be compatible with the end.
If we want peace we must seek peaceful ways to it.
There is no room within my heart for revenge, fire or hate.

I have found that I do not permit others to commit violence on my behalf,
I am indeed prepared to die for others and for the cause of peace
but I will never ever find a cause for which I can kill.

I have found love in places they said there was none
because I went offering only friendship and myself,
and I have found rejection in the very places I expected love,
among those that said they stood for love but didn't.

I have found comfort from strangers that I didn't know,
who are moved by simple acts of forgiveness and love
when they might have expected an anger I never showed
for deeds done by those blinded by their own anger.

I have found a world ready for our message of Peace
hungry for human compassion, respect and caring;
a world ready for the change that is coming with us
and all because I refuse to hate those that hate me.

David October 2008