PSALM OF PEACE

PSALM OF PEACE

Why do the nations of the world continually fight one another

why do our leaders put power before peace?

Selfish greed can lead to violence

we do what we want, in spite of hurting others.

Human beings seem bound to suffer violence from others

our wars are often civil strife,

among Muslims or Christians, between Arab and Jew

between black and white races or divided cultures;

people are killed for politics

murders are committed to express a point of view!

Why must disputes escalate into anger

why find solutions only after a row?

I'd like to be able to talk out my differences

a compromise must be better than fighting.

Teach me to argue without quarrelling

hold me from the brink of violence, if I do quarrel.

For enemies I'll certainly have around me

but they have a right to their part of your world;

if I quarrel with my neighbour, stop me from suspecting

and if I suspect, keep my tongue from slander.

Peace is not to be found in weakness

it's stronger than war, and tougher than selfishness.