The Sea Is Sometimes Stormy

The sea is sometimes stormy
with monstrous waves, other times
it as unruffled as a clear lake

at dawn, nestled in the protective
shadow of a Blue Ridge Mountain

So it is with nations, and families
and folks who cling to various beliefs–
and we all do that sometimes

There comes a time when we must
have the courage to ask forgiveness
and forgive, restore harmony

make peace and not war

and if we don’t somehow learn to do that
nations are shattered and people are shattered
and families are shattered

and if we don’t do that, in the end
we find ourselves lost in the desert
bereft of purpose and alone

terribly alone

But we have a choice
to ask forgiveness and forgive
take steps to bring healing

to make love and not war